Bizarre Game Against Division Opponent Gives Rangers 40th Win

There have been a number of Rangers games this year where odd things have happened and tonight's game against Oakland may be the most bizarre of them all so far this season.

From sacrifice flies to infielders, first career home runs being inside the park HR's and nearly an eight run lead being blown in the late innings; this match-up between the Athletics and Rangers is one of the crazier games you'll see all year.

The Rangers started the scoring early, as they were gifted two runs in the second inning via a balk and wild pitch that saw the Rangers take the lead for the first time of the night and never looked back. Texas capitalized off the mistakes of the Athletics all night offensively as they drew six walks on the night.

Spencer Howard earned his first win of the season and posting his best start of the year. The six-foot-three right hander went five innings giving up six hits, to go along with one earned run on the night. Howard's night came to an end in the sixth when Jose Leclerc came in for relief duties.

The rookie Josh Smith continued to shine as he started off the night with two hard hit balls but nothing to show for it until he stepped up to the plate in the bottom of the sixth inning when he lined a ball into center field and used his elite speed to fly around the bases and gain his first big league home run.

Corey Seager also continued his dominance at the plate, coming off winning the Player of the Week award for the previous week. Seager homered in his fourth straight game and became the first shortstop in Major League Baseball to hit 20 home runs this season.

The Athletics attempted a comeback in the 8th inning when Kolby Allard entered the game. Oakland quickly jumped on Allard, scoring six runs with the help of a Ramon Laureano two run shot and Chad Pinder three run home run in the 8th inning to trim the deficit to only two runs. Kolby Allard who was recently recalled from Round Rock due to the injury of Dane Dunning, was only able to record one out, giving up four hits and five earned runs before being relieved by Garrett Richards.

With the help of Dennis Santana and Brett Martin, who recorded his third save on the season; the Rangers bullpen shut the door and earned Texas another win in front of the home crowd.

The 10-8 win gives the Rangers their 40th win on the year and pushes them to 40-44 on the year and only 3.5 games back in the wild card race. Texas looks to take the series tomorrow night with a win and Glen Otto on the mound.