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Oakland's Blackley takes ball vs. Rangers

Jun 5, 2012 - 2:58 PM (Sports Network) - Travis Blackley tries to follow up Jarrod Parker's brilliant effort this evening when the Oakland Athletics and Texas Rangers continue a four-game set at the Coliseum.

Parker carried a no-hitter into the eighth inning and Brandon Inge homered and knocked in four runs, as Oakland rolled to a 12-1 win Monday's opener. Kila Ka'aihue hit a two-run shot while Yoenis Cespedes and Jemile Weeks each had two RBI in the Athletics' second win in three games.

Parker (2-2), who was making just his ninth career start, allowed just a leadoff single to Michael Young in the eighth inning while walking three and striking out six over eight dominant innings.

"You go that late in the game and you're a competitor, I don't want to give up hits, give up runs or anything like that. It was something where I wanted to finish it," Parker said.

Scott Feldman (0-4) gave up eight runs on seven hits and a walk in just 1 2/3 innings to absorb the loss for the Rangers, who have dropped five of six.

Tonight it will be Blackley, who has yet to record a decision in four games this season. Blackley pitched well in his first start of the season last Tuesday in Minnesota, as he held the Twins to a run and three hits in five innings.

Blackley has pitched to a 3.38 ERA this season, but is 0-3 with an 8.74 ERA in his last eight starts since winning his major league debut in his only other appearance against the Rangers back on July 1, 2004, while with Seattle.

Texas, meanwhile, will counter with lefty Derek Holland, who will be trying to bounce back from an abysmal effort his last time out. Holland was battered by Seattle on Thursday for eight runs and eight hits in just 1 2/3 innings, dropping him to 4-4 on the year to go along with a 5.11 ERA.

"I did not give my team a chance to win," Holland said.

All eight runs came in the second inning and it marked the most runs allowed by a Rangers starter in one inning since Tommy Hunter gave up nine to Boston on Aug. 14, 2008.

"I believe Derek is going to bounce back. He has to bounce back," said Rangers manager Ron Washington. "If he goes out there and has another one and two- thirds of an inning, I think I might have to pull my belt off and throw him across my lap and spank him. My belt is loose around my waist."

Holland has faced the A's nine times (6 starts) and is 3-1 with a 1.91 ERA.

Oakland split a two-game set with Texas earlier in the year.