by PegNews wire

Texas finally loses one.

ARLINGTON — The Texas Rangers were reminded of their mortality Sunday afternoon, losing 5-4 to the Oakland A's at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. The loss dropped Texas to 30-20, and 20-9 in the month of May, just one victory shy of the all-time franchise record for wins in a month.

With the score tied at 4-4, Oakland batter Adam Kennedy ripped a home run to deep right field off Rangers closer Frank Francisco for the win. It was the first run of any kind Francisco had given up in 28 straight appearances, and ballooned the reliever's ERA to 0.86.

Rangers starter Kevin Millwood pitched well enough for the no-decision, giving up just two runs over six innings. The Rangers have used the fewest bullpen innings in the majors, a critical factor in their early-season success to this point.

Several Rangers had good days at the plate: Michael Young went 2-for-5 with a run scored, while Hank Blalock and Marlon Byrd continued their recent hitting streaks with a couple of two-hit games. Jarrod Saltalamacchia hit a two-run double in the bottom of the seventh to break an Oakland shutout.

Posted by Todd M.