Rangers vs Athletics - Official Game Thread

[Cursed Rangers]

Texas Rangers vs. Oakland Athletics

Monday, October 1, 7:05 PM PT, Oakland Coliseum


Martin Perez, LHP
Stats1-3, 5.03 ERA

Perez was knocked out in the first inning by the A's on Wednesday when he allowed five runs on six hits. It was his second start since replacing Scott Feldman in the rotation. Perez's only win came vs. Oakland on June 30.


Jarrod Parker, RHP
12-8, 3.44 ERA

Parker appeared prime for a short outing when he allowed three runs through the first two innings against the Rangers on Wednesday. He made an impressive recovery, though, never again allowing a runner past second base in his final four frames.


Tuesday, October 2, 7:05 PM PT, Oakland Coliseum


Matt Harrison, LHP
18-10, 3.26 ERA

Harrison is 3-1 with a 2.54 ERA and has tied Kenny Rogers for the most wins by a left-hander in club history. He could be only the second pitcher in Rangers history to finish with 18-plus wins and an ERA of under 3.30. Ferguson Jenkins is the other.


Travis Blackley, LHP
5-4, 4.00 ERA

The A's will stick with starting Blackley despite his last start in which he allowed five runs on five hits in only one inning. Subbing for the injured Brett Anderson, Blackley previously had allowed four runs in two innings against the Yankees.

Wednesday, October 3, 12:35 PM PT, Oakland Coliseum


Ryan Dempster, RHP
7-3, 4.64 ERA

A.J. Griffin, RHP
7-1, 2.71 ERA

Griffin takes the mound against the Rangers in the final game of the season, with the rookie saying he envisioned such scenarios while playing backyard whiffle ball with his brother. Griffin is 3-0 with a 2.51 ERA at home this season.

[BigDFan85]

The Rangers are coming to play this series. I hope Perez does better than last time, and I think Harry bounces back. It's been hard to watch this team the past couple of weeks, but hopefully they turn it on tonight and carry that through to the playoffs.

[Cursed Rangers]

Even if we would have won both games of the doubleheader with the Angels, we still would have had to win one game versus the A's to clinch the division.

My hat is off to the A's organization for all but clinching a playoff spot. Great year by a bunch of unknown players. Impressive that they outdueled the Angels. Hoping we can get at least one win in Oakland.

Can't wait for the Astros to be added to our division. These late night west coast games kill me when they are during the week!

[asmarks18]

I think we sweep. They will have a sense of urgency these last 3 games to assure we get home field in the first 2 rounds.

[Cursed Rangers]

My ulitmate desire is to have the Rangers clinch the AL West. The one item I am pondering, is what happens if we win the first two games against the A's, and the Angels win their first two games against the Mariners. Going into the final game, would it be better to win and get home field advantage, or woudl it be better to lose and prevent the Angels from making the playoffs.

Home field advantage is huge, but it wouldn't matter in the WS (again). Don't get me wrong, I respect the Yankees, Baltimore, Tigers, and the A's. However, the one team I absolutely do not want to face in the playoffs is the Angels. They have 4 aces (yes I am being somewhat generous to CJ), Trout, Pujols, and a heck of a closer.

[zdennis24]

My ulitmate desire is to have the Rangers clinch the AL West. The one item I am pondering, is what happens if we win the first two games against the A's, and the Angels win their first two games against the Mariners. Going into the final game, would it be better to win and get home field advantage, or woudl it be better to lose and prevent the Angels from making the playoffs.

Home field advantage is huge, but it wouldn't matter in the WS (again). Don't get me wrong, I respect the Yankees, Baltimore, Tigers, and the A's. However, the one team I absolutely do not want to face in the playoffs is the Angels. They have 4 aces (yes I am being somewhat generous to CJ), Trout, Pujols, and a heck of a closer.

I absolutely agree. I don't want to see the Angels. While home field would be amazing, I think winning this division is more important so we don't have to worry about the one game playoff. But also we need the Angels out. They have the fire power for a run if they make it.

[stipe1280]

Accidentally voted none...meant to vote one.

I think Oakland has a lot to prove and we just seem tired/banged up after three very long seasons in a row now. I don't have faith that Perez can get it done tonight (hope I'm wrong), but I'm hoping either he or Harrison gets the job done without forcing a decision on the division title coming down to game 3.

I hate to be pessimistic, but I'm just not feeling it from this team right now.

[Young2Kinsler]

When Josh Hamilton doesn't get a hit, he has the uggliest AB I have ever seen

[Skizzik]

Perez with no command. While I want to believe in his potential and still believe he will be great...his body language and facial expressions worries me. He looks worried and weak. I fear he may lack the ability to be clutch and it's showing right now.

[Skizzik]

Huge weekend series and huge series this week and this forum went back to hibernation...

[Young2Kinsler]

**** this team

[Cursed Rangers]

Oh yeah!!! Just changed channel after Romo's 4th interception of the night. Was perfect timing to see Young get a HR to tie up the game!!

Made me quickly forget about the Cowboy's horrible game tonight!

[Cursed Rangers]

Come on Rangers! It's a new ballgame, let's win this tonight and clinch the AL West

[Cursed Rangers]

Wow. 5 interceptions by Romo. Come on Rangers.

[Cursed Rangers]

There is no one at the A's game. Pretty sad that this is such a huge series for them and the entire upper deck is empty. They need to move the team out of California to San Antonio. Despite the limited crowd, they are making some noise