Though Brandon McCarthy broke down in the fourth inning Thursday, he kept alive a stretch that has allowed the Rangers to climb to the top of the AL West standings.
McCarthy held Oakland scoreless through the first three innings. Since April 28, a stretch in which the Rangers are 6-3, the rotation has allowed just two runs in the first three innings. One run scored on an error, the other on a sacrifice fly. As a result, the Rangers have been able to put significant pressure on opposing pitchers by striking first. For the season, the Rangers lead the opposition 49-33 in runs scored through the first three innings.
On Thursday, the Rangers had doubles in each of the first two innings, but they went 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position through the first trip around the lineup.
McCarthy worked a 1-2-3 first inning Thursday, allowed a two-out single in the second and a one-out walk in the third (before erasing the runner with a double play).
Unlike the rest of the starters, who breezed through the middle innings as well during the last time through the rotation, McCarthy collapsed in the fourth. He allowed a leadoff single to Kurt Suzuki, then walked Jason Giambi and Matt Holliday in succession before leaving a fat fastball over the plate to Jack Cust. The Oakland DH hit it deep into the seats for a grand slam.
A'S 9, RANGERS 4: Oakland scored five times in the fifth inning to break a scoreless tie Thursday and end the Rangers' five-game winning streak that has vaulted them to first place in the AL West. The Rangers remained atop the division because Seattle fell at Kansas City for its fourth straight loss. The A's did most of their damage with homers. DH Jack Cust hit a grand slam off RHP Brandon McCarthy, and OF Matt Holliday hit a three-run shot off RHP Kris Benson.
