A's outclass Rangers on Davis clutch triple

OAKLAND, California – Pinch-hitter Rajai Davis tripled down the right field line to drive in two runs in the bottom of the ninth inning and lift the Oakland Athletics to a 3-2 victory over the Texas Rangers in the American League on Monday.

C.J. Wilson (4-5) blew his third save in 16 chances after allowing singles to Jack Cust, Tommy Everidge and Mark Ellis, before Davis’ triple.

Mike Wuertz (6-1) pitched 1 1-3 innings to earn the win.

Marlon Byrd drove in a run and Hank Blalock scored the game’s first run on a double play for the Rangers.

A’s starter Brett Anderson gave up six hits over 7 2-3 innings with eight strikeouts and three walks.

Dustin Nippert, who started in place of the injured Kevin Millwood, gave up one hit in five innings. He walked two and struck out five.

Neftali Feliz, one of the Rangers’ top pitching prospects, made an impressive major league debut by striking out the side in the top of the sixth in relief of Nippert. He retired all six hitters he faced.

At Detroit, Clete Thomas homered with two outs in the bottom of the ninth to give Detroit a victory over Baltimore, 6-5.

Baltimore led 5-0 with one out in the top of the first. The game was tied at 5 going into the ninth, and Danys Baez (4-5) retired the first two batters, but Thomas hit a 1-2 pitch into the shrubs above the fence in center.

Fernando Rodney (2-2) picked up the win with a scoreless inning of relief.

Brian Roberts started the game with a homer, and the next three batters singled to load the bases. After a run-scoring forceout, Ty Wigginton had a one-run double and Luke Scott added a two-run double. (AP)