OAKLAND, Calif., Aug. 13 (UPI) -- Michael Young's triple touched off a streak of six straight Texas base runners in a six-run second Friday, launching the Rangers to a 9-1 win over Oakland.
The big inning gave Texas its sixth win in eight games and allowed the Rangers to protect their two-game lead over the second-place Los Angeles Angels in the American League West.
C.J. Wilson (11-5) benefited from the offense to pick up the victory, throwing five shutout innings and allowing one run on four hits in six frames. He struck out seven.
Oakland starter Brandon McCarthy (5-6) remained in the game throughout the second inning, but left in the fourth after being struck by a line drive off the bat of Endy Chavez. McCarthy took the shot on his right knee, but was able to limp off the field under his own power.
After Young tripled to start the second, Nelson Cruz singled him home. Mike Napoli was then safe on a fielding error by shortstop Cliff Pennington, after which Mitch Moreland singled in Cruz, Yorvit Torrealba singled home Napoli and Chavez delivered Moreland with a double.
Ian Kinsler recorded the first out of the inning with a popup, but Elvis Andrus singled in Torrealba with the sixth run of the inning.
