Rangers Rock A's, 16-9

The Texas Rangers outlasted the Athletics today in the final home game of the season for Oakland, 16-9. Texas was never behind, and had seemingly put the game away for good, before a Spring Trainingesque offensive explosion erupted late in the game.

It may have been Dallas Braden Bobblehead Day, but it was Trevor Cahill who was left dizzy by the blitzkrieg style pummeling of the Rangers offense. Cahill, considered a fringe Cy Young candidate by many observers, wobbled his way through 4 innings, surrendering 12 hits and 7 runs before hitting the showers.

Conversely, Rangers starter Colby Lewis cruised through his first postseason warm up start. Lewis, who spent last season in Japan, will have one more tune up before heading into his first post season as a Major League starting pitcher. Lewis struck out 6 Oakland hitters in 6 innings of work, while surrendering a single run.

The two teams scored a combined 15 runs in the final 2 innings (the A's scoring 6 in the 8th, 2 in the 9th, and Rangers 7 in the 9th) to close out the A's home schedule with some fireworks.

The A's will head down the coast to Anaheim, for 3 games with the Angels, and then on to Seattle, for 4 with the Mariners, to close out the season.