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Padilla, A's errors help Rangers post third straight win

May 3, 2008 - 6:11 AM OAKLAND, California (Ticker) -- Vicente Padilla is picking up the slack for the shorthanded Texas Rangers' rotation.

Padilla pitched 5 2/3 solid innings on Friday to lead the Rangers to a season-high third straight win, a 4-3 victory over the Oakland Athletics.

The 30-year-old righthander (4-2) allowed just three runs - one earned - and five hits, walking four while striking out six. Padilla posted his second consecutive victory after registering his third career shutout against the Minnesota Twins on Sunday.

"(Padilla) was great," Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "He got us where we needed to get. They got three runs on him in the fourth, but we came back and took the lead, and he went out there and put up zeros. Exactly what you're supposed to do."

"This was a good win for us," Padilla said through an interpreter. "It is definitely something we can build on."

C.J. Wilson pitched a perfect ninth to notch his seventh save of the season.

Padilla has helped shoulder the load for a rotation that is missing Kason Gabbard due to a sore back and Jason Jennings, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list Friday with a strained right elbow.

"I got into spring training a little earlier, and I think that helped," Padilla said of his strong start to the season. "My arm feels better this year and I feel healthier."

Padilla outdueled A's starter Joe Blanton (2-5), who gave up four runs and seven hits in seven innings while receiving little support from his defense - which committed a season-high four errors.

"It's tough when your offense goes out there and gets three runs for you and gets the lead, then I come out and give up two runs," Blanton said. "It's kind of tough to swallow."

With the loss, Blanton fell to 0-5 at home this season - the longest home losing streak of his career.

"It was a poor night for us all around," A's manager Bob Geren said. "Joe deserved a better fate with the way he pitched."

Jack Cust's solo home run and Bobby Crosby's two-run double in the fourth gave Oakland a 3-2 lead. However, the Rangers pulled ahead in the fifth on A's first baseman Daric Barton's major league-leading fifth error of the season.

Gerald Laird led off the frame with a double to deep left field and advanced to third on a bunt single by Ramon Vazquez.

After Ian Kinsler tied the game by driving in Laird with a grounder, Barton committed the costly error when he attempted to throw out Vazquez at third following Michael Young's groundout. Barton's throw sailed into foul territory, allowing Vazquez to score the go-ahead run.

"This was our worst performance of the season," Geren said. "We've been playing good ball lately, but that was not the case (on Friday)."

Texas took advantage of Oakland's first miscue as Kinsler led off the game with a drive to right-center field that Oakland right fielder Emil Brown misplayed for a three-base error. Young followed with a sacrifice fly to right, giving the Rangers an early 1-0 edge.

Brandon Boggs gave Texas a 2-0 advantage with a sacrifice fly in the fourth that plated Milton Bradley, who went 3-for-4 to raise his average to .333.