http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100925&content_id=15072658&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb
OAKLAND -- The Rangers are the champions of the American League West for the first time in 11 years.
The Rangers wrapped up the division title on a Saturday afternoon at the Oakland Coliseum with a 4-3 victory over the Athletics.
Jorge Cantu, who had not driven in a run since being acquired from the Marlins at the Trade Deadline, hit a two-out home run in the top of the eighth to put the Rangers ahead for good. Starter Derek Holland pitched five strong innings, and Michael Young, the Rangers' de facto team captain, got them started with a third-inning home run.
Rangers clinch AL West00:01:439/25/10: The Texas Rangers defeat the Athletics to clinch the American League West for the first time since 1999Tags: Texas Rangers, More From This GameShare:
FacebookTwitterEmailRelated Video
Cantu's go-ahead jack
Cantu's RBI single
Young's solo blastThis is the Rangers' first divisional title since 1999 and the fourth in franchise history. They will play either the New York Yankees or the Tampa Bay Rays in the first round of the playoffs. The first game is scheduled for Oct. 6.
The Athletics manufactured a run in the first inning when Rajai Davis reached on an infield single, stole second and scored on a couple of ground balls against Holland.
But Young tied it up for the Rangers in the third with a home run to left field against Oakland starter Gio Gonzalez, his 21st of the season. That made it 1-1, and it stayed that way until the sixth. Then Ian Kinsler doubled and scored on a single by Cantu. That gave Cantu his first RBI in 25 games with the Rangers.
After Gonzalez left, the Rangers manufactured an important run in the seventh against Henry Rodriguez. Elvis Andrus led off with a walk and stole second as Young struck out. That brought up Nelson Cruz, and on a 1-2 pitch, Andrus broke for third. The ball bounced past catcher Landon Powell and Andrus came around to score, making it 3-1.
Cliff Pennington hit a two-run home run for the Athletics to tie the game in the seventh, but Cantu hit his first home run for the Rangers in the top of the eighth to regain the lead.
Darren O'Day earned the victory and Neftali Feliz recorded the final four outs for his 38th save, setting a new Major League record for most saves by a rookie.
T.R. Sullivan is a reporter for MLB.com Read his blog, Postcards from Elysian Fields and follow him on Twitter @Sullivan_Ranger. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
Home 
