The Oakland Athletics took a big step in gaining some momentum in the AL West as they defeated the Texas Rangers 3-1 behind another strong showing from Trevor Cahill. While Cahill struggled a little in giving up four walks and seven hits, he did an excellent job of working out of several jams, including bases loaded with two outs in the first inning.
In spite of the 11 walks and hits, Cahill worked fairly quickly as he lasted seven innings on 100 pitches. He held the Rangers scoreless through seven innings and improved to 4-0 thanks to Grant Balfour and Brian Fuentes shutting the door in the eighth and ninth innings.
The A’s offense did not provide monstrous support, but as is the case in most A’s wins this season, they provided just enough. Kurt Suzuki grabbed a two out RBI single to plate Daric Barton. Conor Jackson and Josh Willingham each doubled to lead off the fifth inning with a second run. Finally, Daric Barton scored after Kurt Suzuki hit into an expected double-play that was botched on the throw to first.
The A’s and Rangers are back out Saturday afternoon at 1:05pm as Brett Anderson faces Colby Lewis.