Gonzalez Homers Lead Rangers, 2-0

Juan Gonzalez homered twice and Darren Oliver combined with three relievers on a five-hitter Saturday night, giving the Rangers a 2-0 victory over the Athletics.

Gonzalez’s third multi-homer game this season spoiled the major league debut of Oakland pitcher Brad Rigby, who otherwise had little trouble with the Texas lineup.

Will Clark had three hits, including a double, and teamed with Gonzalez for five of Texas’ seven hits.

Gonzalez led off the second inning with a drive just over the fence in left field, his 15th homer. His shot in the fourth, also a leadoff homer to left, made it 2-0.

The Rangers won for only the second time in 11 games, while the A’s missed a chance to match a season-high three-game winning streak.

Oliver (4-9) shut out the A’s for five shaky innings for his first victory since June 2, a span of five starts. He walked five and struck out seven, giving up five hits before leaving after Jason Giambi singled to lead off the sixth.

Dan Patterson, Eric Gunderson and Wetteland held the A’s hitless the rest of the way, with Wetteland pitching a perfect ninth for his 16th save.

Oliver walked the bases loaded with one out in the fifth inning before striking out Mark McGwire and Jose Canseco to end the inning.

Rigby (0-1) pitched eight innings and gave up seven hits.