OAKLAND -- Right-hander Raul Alcantara had to make an unexpected start for the A's on Saturday night, and his work along with four relievers dealt another serious blow to the Rangers' postseason hopes. They combined on a four-hit shutout in a 1-0 victory that dropped the Rangers to 4 1/2 games behind the Twins in the race for the second Wild Card spot.
The Rangers, now two games under .500, are four back in the loss column but they only have eight games left to play. That includes one more in the Coliseum on Sunday against the Athletics, who have now won their last six games and 13 of their last 16 games.