For much of this season, Mark Canha was a rookie just trying to prove he belonged in the major leagues.
But now, he’s become a driving force behind the A’s offense. Canha’s three-run homer in the fifth inning gave Oakland the lead for good in a 5-3 victory over the Rangers. Danny Valencia followed with a two-run shot off Texas starter Yovani Gallardo (12-10) later in the inning, and that would pave the way to Sean Nolin’s first major-league victory.
[STIGLICH: A's rally not enough, fall in Nolin's debut]
Canha has homered seven times over his past 23 games and has 15 overall on the season.