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Cahill, A's rout Rangers

May 10, 2011 - 4:58 AM Arlington, TX (Sports Network) - Trevor Cahill was impressive in his sixth win of the season as the Oakland Athletics took the opener of a three-game series against the Texas Rangers, 7-2.

Cahill (6-0) went seven innings, scattering five hits for one run while striking out seven for the Athletics, who have won eight of the past 12 games. The right hander joined the Angels' Jered Weaver and the Tigers' Max Scherzer as the first pitchers to reach six wins this season.

"I think it's kind of a team thing," Cahill said of his 6-0 start. "The team has scored a lot of runs when I pitch."

Josh Willingham responded to his one-game suspension by knocking in five runs, including a three-run homer. The discipline stemmed from Willingham's inappropriate conduct during the A's 4-3 loss to Kansas City on Saturday, which included making contact with umpire Bill Miller. The outfielder has appealed the suspension allowing him to play in the game.

Mitch Moreland had a solo home runs for Texas, which fell to 1-3 on a nine- game homestand.

"We're putting too much pressure on ourselves. I think a lot of it is unneeded," Moreland said of the Rangers' recent slump. "We're not that bad off right now and it's something a few wins can fix."

C.J. Wilson (4-2) suffered the loss, surrendering five runs on two hits and five walks in seven-plus innings.

Willingham blasted a two-out three-run homer into the left field seats to give the A's a 3-0 lead in the third inning.

Texas got on the board in the fifth with Moreland's leadoff homer over the right field fence.

Meanwhile, Cahill was rolling and struck out four straight batters to get through the sixth and seventh innings easily.

Willingham came up big again with a two-run single in the eighth to give the A's a 5-1 cushion. Kurt Suzuki adding an RBI double during the same inning to go up 7-1.

Texas never really threatened, despite scoring a run during the home half after Ian Kinsler scored on a throwing error.

Game Notes

Cahill has won in five consecutive starts and has an AL-best 1.72 ERA...The Athletics won three of four matchups the last time they faced the AL West- rival Rangers a week ago by the Bay...The A's have won nine of the last 14 matchups with Texas...The Rangers left seven runners on base.