ARLINGTON, Texas — A’s closer Ryan Madson walked from the bullpen into the heart of one of the major leagues’ best lineups Friday night.
Five batters, all averaging .280 or better, with a one-run lead for Madson to protect. He almost did, but Jonathan Lucroy was the fifth.
Lucroy’s two-run single with two outs in the ninth inning gave the Texas Rangers a 7-6 victory over the A’s.
Madson had struck out the fourth batter in the inning, Rougned Odor, but pinch-runner Joey Gallo stole second base on the third strike.