"Don't mess with TEXAS"...the RANGERS arrive in the BLACK Hole for Hardball with a one game lead over the Green-Hot Swingin' ATHLETICS...A's on Fire as they just finished a 6-1 week over the TIGERS and RAYS...A CUP of JOE in the SHOW Report..."There can ONLY Be ONE in the AL West"...RANGERS @ A's #ALWestHardball Showdown

The Texas Rangers come in with a Swagger but the Oakland Athletics have been playing in the last week on Planet Mars. The Athletics almost swept the AL Central leading Tigers in the "D" and they sweep the AL 2nd place Rays playing Pennant Fever Hardball. The Rangers have been quietly going about their business as only Skip Wash (Rangers Manager Ron Washington) could do flying under the Show radar and doing damage while underneath. This should be a three-piece dandy with October Theatre-like Potential.

RANGERS @ Swingin' ATHLETICS from the Black Hole for Hardball....

September 2, 2013 3:05pm ET
TEX Holland (9-6) vs OAK Straily (7-7)

September 3, 2013 10:05pm ET
TEX Perez (8-3) vs OAK Colon (14-5)

September 4, 2013 3:35pm ET
TEX Darvish (12-6) vs OAK Parker (10-6)

As we go to press Holland and Straily are in action as the A's are trying to take control of the AL West. Holland, Perez, and Darvish going up against the likes of Straily, Colon, and Parker is three solid match ups on the hill. It will be interesting to see from the Rangers and A's standpoint how young LHP Martin Perez handles the A's with Colon opposing him on the hill. Perez also has gotten really good run support when he is on the bump.

Hitting Stars in this one...

TEXAS Hardball

3B Beltre .326 28 HR 82 RBI 79 Runs 27 Doubles
1B Moreland 21 HR
2B Kinsler 66 Runs 24 Doubles

OAKLAND Hardball

1B Moss 25 HR 69 RBI
CF Crisp 71 Runs 17 SB
3B Donaldson 77 RBI 69 Runs
SS Lowrie 64 Runs 41 Doubles

Note: Numbers and Schedule from MLB.com