The ninth inning belonged to Texas. The Rangers erased a one-run deficit with four runs in the final frame, stunning Oakland 9-6 at Sutter Health Park to snap their two-game losing streak.
Josh Jung anchored the Rangers' offense with three hits in five at-bats, including a two-run homer in the seventh that gave Texas a 5-3 lead. Jung finished 3-for-5 with two runs scored and two RBIs, batting .263 on the season with one home run and five RBIs. Ezequiel Duran added two hits and two RBIs, driving in the final two runs of the game with a ninth-inning single.
Oakland appeared to have seized control when Nick Kurtz doubled to left in the eighth, scoring three runs to put the Athletics ahead 6-5. But the Rangers answered immediately in the ninth. Higashioka grounded into fielder's choice to pitcher, Burger scored on throwing error by pitcher Sterner, Jung safe at third on error. Pederson singled to center, Jung scored, Higashioka to second. Duran singled to center, Higashioka scored and Pederson scored, Smith to second.
Justin Sterner took the loss for Oakland, allowing four runs on four hits in one inning of work. His ERA stands at 4.66. Cal Quantrill earned the win for Texas with a scoreless ninth inning, improving to 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA.
Texas improved to 9-9 and ended their losing streak. Oakland fell to 10-8 despite their offensive surge. Brandon Nimmo sits three hits away from 1,000 career hits, while Cal Quantrill is two wins away from 50 career victories.