OAKLAND, Calif. -- Texas starter A.J. Griffin gave up back-to-back home runs in the second inning and retired only 10 batters, and the Oakland Athletics beat the Rangers 8-3 on Sunday to complete a three-game sweep.
Shin-Soo Choo hit his 16th home run and the Rangers added an unearned run but managed little else against A's starter Jharel Cotton and three relievers.
The loss dropped Texas three games behind Minnesota for the second AL wild card.
Adding to the Rangers' woes was uncertainty over where they'll play next.