Rangers Top Oakland

The Texas Rangers defeated the Oakland A’s 8-1 Sunday at the Ballpark in Arlington.

Rangers starting pitcher CJ Wilson went 8 shutout innings, striking out 11.  Wilson is the first Rangers pitcher since Nolan Ryan in 1991 to have 6 games in a season with 10 or more strikeouts.  “That’s all you work for,” said Wilson. “That’s why, in the offseason, you run hills and lift weights, stay hydrated and get your rest. This is what it’s all about right here. These last couple weeks are going to be the entire season for us. It’s basically whoever plays better between us and Anaheim, and we have to show that we belong.”

Wilson was helped by a Texas offense that generated 16 hits.  Adrian Beltre extended his hitting streak to 16 games with a 4-hit outing.  Beltre blasted 2 home runs to go over 300 for his career.  Ian Kinsler, Elvis Andrus, Mike Napoli, and Craig Gentry all had multiple hits for the Rangers.  Every Texas starter reached base in the game.

Texas increased it’s lead to 2 1/2 games over the Angels, who lost to the Yankees.  The Rangers open a home series against the Indians on Tuesday.