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Rangers score early, cruise by Athletics

Sep 12, 2008 - 5:58 AM By Al Barba PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

OAKLAND, California (Ticker) -- Dustin Nippert won his second straight start and rookies Joaquin Arias and Chris Davis each had two RBI as the Texas Rangers defeated the Oakland Athletics, 6-1, on Thursday.

Every starter in the Rangers lineup had at least one hit as they hammered out 14 hits against three different Athletics' pitchers. Texas has won nine of 13 meetings against Oakland this season.

"We can swing the bat," Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "When we get good pitching, we can go out there and compete with almost anybody.

"Once again, our young kids did a good job, especially (Taylor) Teagarden. He battled his first three at-bats, worked some walks and hit a double. Everybody contributed. It was a good win."

Nippert (3-4) worked five-plus innings, allowing one run and four hits, while walking four and tying a career high with seven strikeouts.

"I just want to go out and give the team a chance to win every fifth day," Nippert said. "Anytime I'm on the mound, I just want to keep it close. My last start I was able to get ahead and throw my off-speed pitches for strikes. I was able to get strike one like I did last time."

The Texas righthander received relief from Jamey Wright, Bill White and Frank Francisco, who combined to retire the final 12 batters and seal the win.

"Jamey Wright and Bill White came in there and did a heck of a job," Washington said. "I'm certainly glad he (Wright) and White gave us what they gave us. We really needed that. Now we have a bullpen for tomorrow."

The Rangers jumped on Oakland starter Dallas Braden (5-4) for three runs in the second inning as they took advantage of three hits, a pair of walks and an error. Arias had a two-run single to highlight the frame.

Davis extended Texas' lead to 5-0 with a two-run double in the third and Hank Blalock homered off Braden in the fifth for the Rangers' final run.

It was the second-shortest start of the season for Braden, who allowed a season-high six runs and nine hits in four-plus innings.

"You take full responsibility for yourself when you go out and pitch," Braden said. "I mean you're trying to get deep into the ballgame and help yourself and help your team. Any added pressure on the bullpen or eight guys behind you is not necessary.

"I didn't feel like I was establishing what I wanted to establish early enough in the counts or early enough in the game, so it kind of throws your game plan out the window when you're pitching from behind."

Jack Cust led off the sixth with a double and later scored the Athletics' lone run on a sacrifice fly to right field by rookie Cliff Pennington.

Cust also struck out three times to raise his season total to 176 and break Jose Canseco's Oakland record of 175, which was set in 1986.

"I think I saw it was Canseco and Reggie Jackson so it's good company I guess," Cust said of his strikeout record. "It's something I do, something I'd like to not do but it's just a part of my game."