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The Texas Rangers got six innings from starting pitcher Matt Harrison, allowing four runs – all earned – on seven hits, as the Rangers outlasted the Oakland A's 9-7 Thursday in Arlington, Texas.
The Rangers (92-64) clinched their third consecutive post-season berth with the victory, and now set their sights on their third-straight AL West crown. They lead the A's by four games, and the win reduced their magic number to three.
Oakland went into the four-game series needing to win it, if not sweep, to stay in contention. Oakland (88-68) and Baltimore (89-67) are the top non-division leaders in the AL.
Texas was 6-for-11 with runners in scoring position, led by DH Mike Napoli, who was 2-for-4 with three RBI in the game. Adrian Beltre, who was 3-for-4 with a run scored.
The Rangers have a chance to clinch the division title as they open a three-game set against Los Angeles Friday. They travel to Oakland for a three-game series starting Oct. 1 – the last series of the regular season.