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OAKLAND, Calif. -- Unlike early September last year, the Oakland Athletics and Texas Rangers are neck and neck chasing the AL West title. Both clubs are ready for this race to go right down to the end -- again. Coco Crisp hit a tiebreaking two-run homer in the fifth that was confirmed by a video review, and the As pulled into a first-place tie with Texas by beating the Rangers 4-2 on Monday. "You enjoy the race," As closer Grant Balfour said. "Id like to say were sitting here 10 games up." Yoenis Cespedes homered leading off the second inning and Chris Young added an RBI single in Oaklands fourth straight win. David Murphy hit a tying two-run shot in the Texas fifth for his first homer since Aug. 1. But the Rangers loaded the bases against Dan Otero with one out in the sixth and couldnt deliver. Crisp set a career high with his 17th homer that stayed just fair of the left-field foul pole, topping his 16 for Cleveland in 2005. He homered for the third straight game to help the As (79-58) move a season-best 21 games over .500. "I didnt think it was going to stay fair," he said. Crisp fouled a ball off the area below his right knee in the sixth. He stayed in and struck out, and then was removed for what the team called a shin contusion. Crisp said he felt fine afterward. In games so meaningful, he will do all he can to stay on the field. "Its a back and forth that kind of pumps your blood a little bit," Crisp said. "Obviously you want to be close or you want to be in front, in first place or as far in front as possible. Were fortunate were in the situation we are now." As lefty reliever Brett Anderson, pitching at home for the first time since April 29, worked a 10-pitch seventh, helped by Ian Kinslers inning-ending double play. Ryan Cook worked out of a jam in the eighth and Balfour finished for his 36th save in 38 tries as the Rangers left the tying run at second. "I was running on fumes," Balfour said of pitching for the fourth time in five days. "I was just trying to pitch with some guts." Oakland won for the seventh time in eight games and is hoping for another strong September like its 17-11 showing last year on the way to the West crown on the final day. The Rangers, who were unable to hold off streaking Oakland last year, fell out of sole possession of first place for the first time since Aug. 9, the last time the As shared the lead. "I expect it to go all the way down to the end. Division champs over there," Texas manager Ron Washington said. "I dont expect them to go away and I certainly dont expect us to go away. Everything goes through Oakland. Doesnt matter where positioned in the standings right now." If Washington intended to put a target on the As, manager Bob Melvin quipped, "Ill flip it back to him." The Rangers had their three-game road winning streak snapped with just their third defeat in the last 15 games away from Arlington. Young singled in a second run for the As three batters after Cespedes connected for his 21st homer, against Derek Holland (9-7). Center fielder Leonys Martin missed the ball on Youngs base hit and it got past him for a two-base error. Young tried to score on the play and was thrown out at home after stumbling slightly rounding third. "Were playing OK, maybe not our best, and were tied for first with a team playing well, too," Texas third baseman Adrian Beltre said. "Well take our chances. Our destiny is in our hands." Top As prospect Michael Choice went 0 for 2 with a walk in his major league debut as the designated hitter. Dan Straily (8-7) pitched five innings to win back-to-back starts for the first time since early July, putting together two solid outings following a seven-start winless stretch in which he went 0-5. "You come out there and understand the magnitude of the situation, and youre very determined to get the job done," Straily said. Cespedes singled in the fifth for consecutive multihit games as the As began a stretch with 19 of their final 26 games against divisional opponents. Lance Berkman started at DH and went 0 for 4 one day after Texas activated him from the disabled list. He had been out since July 7 with left hip inflammation and a sore surgically repaired right knee. The Rangers won three of the teams first four series this year -- and, after this week, the clubs play once more in Arlington from Sept. 13-15. NOTES: Holland allowed more than one home run for just the third time all year. ... The As are 14-4 when Cespedes homers. ... Oakland is 20-22 vs. the West since May 19 compared to 41-18 against other opponents. ... The Rangers will recall RHP Ross Wolf and OFs Engel Beltre and Joey Butler on Tuesday. Mario Gomez Jersey . Notes on P.K. Subban, Dale Weise, Erik Haula, Mikael Granlund, Ilya Bryzgalov and more. Mario Gomez Germany Jersey . Tyrell appeared in seven games with the Lightning this year, he had no points in those appearances. The 24-year-old has seven goals and 17 assists in 132 career NHL games, all coming with the Lightning. He was selected in the second round, 47th overall, of the 2007 draft. http://www.germanysoccerpro.com/Antonio-Rudiger-Germany-Jersey/ . A 23-year-old rookie, Stroman is 4-2 with a 3.44 earned run average in 12 games this season, the past seven of those being starts. He logged the first scoreless outing of his career on Friday versus Oakland in a no-decision. Leon Goretzka Germany Jersey . "I never commented to anyone that I wanted out," he explained. "My heart is with this group and making the playoffs." Kesler added that the rumours are "completely false" that he asked to be traded - recently or ever. Matthias Ginter Jersey . The Kings paraded the Stanley Cup through downtown Los Angeles on Monday to celebrate their second NHL title in three seasons.1. CHUCK HAYES (Raptors): Give coach Dwane Casey credit last night vs. Boston. Jarred Sullinger was killing the Raps on the glass and in the paint and he went with a guy that was perfect for this matchup and it worked. Dont judge a book by its cover. This man knows how to play and on certain nights when the matchups work, hes a good steady/smart fit. So often coaches ride a hot hand offensively -- this one was riding a right guy at the right time. Forget the stats - hes a winner. 2. JAMES JOHNSON (Raptors): Been very impressed with his energy and play making ability. Has had some wonderful drives and neat passes so far. His defensive awareness and ability is top shelf and is a game-changer at the three or four spot off the bench. A good get the second time around. Just keep playing under control and good things are ahead for him. 3. JEFF GREEN (Celtics): Really like how hes been playing so far this season; playing with a little more assertiveness and passion than Ive seen in the past. Weve always known that hes a nice talent but there has always bbeen something missing.dddddddddddd Now Im starting to see a guy figuring it out and playing to his potential. Good for him. 4. JJ BAREA (Mavs): Love this move for both sides. He fits their system ideally and gives you instant offense off the bench. He can get in the lane and backs down from no one. He was an integral part of their championship run four years ago and gives them a veteran who knows and respects coach Rick Carlisle and what the expectations are. Didnt work out very well in Minnesota but at this stage I like this for both sides. 5. SERGE IBAKA (Thunder): I must say that in spite of the injury woes of OKC, Im really impressed with his approach/attitude. His game is improving offensively with his handle, shooting range and consistently. His defense is impactful and he plays so hard - I respect that. Even though times are tough right now, the Thunder have truly found that third guy that can play beautifully off of Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant. Hes an emerging young player; a testament to his work ethic and maturity. Wholesale Hoodies NFL Shirts Outlet Jerseys NFL Wholesale Cheap NFL Jerseys Free Shipping Wholesale Jerseys Cheap Cheap NFL Jerseys China Wholesale Jerseys Wholesale NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys ' ' '