The Texas Rangers had a strong outing from starting pitcher Matt Harrison who pitched eight innings, struck out eight batters and only allowed a pair of runs in a 4-3 win over the Oakland Athletics. The win for Harrison gives him 11 on the year and ties him with Tampa Bay's David Price for the American League lead.
The Rangers offense did not give Harrison too much help and blew a chance in the second inning when they had the bases loaded, but Mike Napoli struck out and Leonys Martin lined out to end the inning.
Trailing 2-0 heading into the eighth inning the Rangers needed some offense and they finally came through by once again they loaded the bases. A's reliever Grant Balfour walked Nelson Cruz to get the Rangers first run of the game. It was then Craig Gentry's bases clearing triple that finally put some runs on the board for the Rangers and the hit gave them a 4-2 lead.
Rangers reliever Tanner Scheppers nearly gave up the lead in the bottom of the ninth when he came in for Harrison. Scheppers gave up a solo home run to Chris Carter with two outs which made it a one-run game, but Scheppers was able to get the final out when pinch hitter Seth Smith grounded out to second base.
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