Sele Struggles to 10th Victory

Aaron Sele became the AL’s first 10-game winner on Thursday--barely.

Sele issued a career-high seven walks and hit a batter, but the Rangers beat Oakland, 3-2, thanks to plenty of help from Athletic starter Tom Candiotti.

Candiotti’s wildness and the A’s inability to hit in the clutch helped Texas halt its three-game losing streak on an afternoon when the temperature reached 99 degrees.

“It was a little toasty out there,” Sele said. “It was hard on everybody. But it was a good win, a grind. I got in some trouble but I was able to keep throwing quality pitches to get out of some jams.”

Sele (10-4) gave up six hits while struggling through 6 2/3 innings, but he hung for the victory.

Sele reached 10 victories earlier than any pitcher in Ranger history. Kevin Brown won his 10th game on June 20, 1992.

John Wetteland pitched a perfect ninth for his 20th save.

Candiotti (4-9) lost his fifth consecutive start, giving up three runs and four hits in five innings. He walked six, had two wild pitches and made an error as the A’s four-game winning streak ended.

Oakland stranded 15 runners, two short of the club record set in 1982.