McGwire Continues His Power Display

Mark McGwire hit a first-inning grand slam, his 28th homer, and Ariel Prieto pitched seven strong innings as the Oakland Athletics beat the stumbling Texas Rangers, 6-3, Thursday night.

McGwire set an Oakland record with his ninth career grand slam, breaking a tie with former teammate Terry Steinbach. He also tied the A’s franchise record, matching the mark of Jimmie Foxx and Sam Chapman.

Jason McDonald led off the bottom of the first with a single and Rafael Bournigal followed with a single. Geronimo Berroa walked to load the bases and McGwire hit the first pitch 400 feet to left-center.

McGwire has 357 career homers, one behind Yogi Berra for 44th place on the career list.

Bournigal added a two-run double in the fourth for the A’s, who won for only the second time in eight games.

Texas scored in the seventh on two singles, an error by right fielder Jose Canseco and an RBI groundout by pinch-hitter Warren Newson.

The Rangers added a run off Aaron Small in the eighth on an RBI double by Will Clark.

Texas, which has lost eight of nine, fell below .500 for the first time since April 14. The Rangers are 37-38.