Another division title is within reach for the two-time defending American League champion Texas Rangers.
The Rangers (87-59) have the AL's best record. But they are still in a tight division race, with the A's the closest chaser instead of the expected Los Angeles Angels.
Texas had its last regular season off day on Monday. There are 16 games left after that, seven against the A's and six against the Angels.
Oakland is only three games back in the division. The Angels, who added slugger Albert Pujols and former Texas lefty C.J. Wilson last winter, were 7 1/2 games back.
Manager Ron Washington says he is confident in his team.
Texas has won eight of its last nine series, and hasn't lost consecutive games in more than a month.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
