Oakland Athletics post third consecutive tie in matchup vs Rangers

The Oakland Athletics battled to a tie for the third consecutive day, fighting to a 7-7 draw with the Texas Rangers this afternoon.

The A's held a 6-2 lead heading into the bottom of the 8th but relievers Domingo Robles and Tyler Baum combined to give up 4 runs on 4 total hits and 3 walks in the inning, allowing the Rangers to draw level.

Robles faced just two batters, giving up a walk and a single before leaving the game due to injury. Baum came in and walked Sebastian Walcott to load the bases and promptly gave up a double to Justin Foscue to cut the A's lead in half. He'd allow two more runs in the inning and the A's went into the 9th tied at 6 apiece.

After the A's recaptured the lead in the top of the 9th, Danis Correa allowed the Rangers to get men on first and second with one out. Rangers outfielder Jose Barrero attempted to steal third and A's catcher Carlos Perez threw the ball 15 feet over Abraham Toro's head at third base, allowing Barrero to score and tie the game. Correa was able to get the final two outs without allowing any more runs, but the damage was done.

The Athletics' first 6 runs all came via homers. Miguel Andujar rocketed a line drive over the left field fence in the top of the second, his 5th homer of the spring. Brent Rooker hit a bomb of a 3-run homer in the 6th, and JJ Bleday put his second homer of the spring over the right field fence in the top of the 8th.

The A's notched a total of 9 hits on the day but also had a disturbing 4 errors. Darell Hernaiz had two errors of his own, booting a ground ball in the 4th and missing first baseman Ryan Noda with a throw in the 6th.

On the plus side, Mason Miller looked as sharp as ever. He was averaging 100 mph on his four seamer and maxed out at 102 mph. He's thrown 6 scoreless innings this spring and looks like he should be a dominant force in the A's bullpen during the summer.

The A's will look to sharpen up in their matchup against the Cubs tomorrow afternoon. Paul Blackburn is slated to face off against Cubs' righty Adbert Alzolay, who has yet to allow a run in his first 6 appearances. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 pm PST.