A’s Punch Out Wetteland in 9th

Miguel Tejada’s two-run triple keyed a three-run ninth inning as the Oakland Athletics rallied against John Wetteland for a 5-3 victory over the Texas Rangers on Tuesday night.

Wetteland, who started the ninth with a major league-leading 23 saves, allowed consecutive pinch-hit singles to Tim Raines and Mike Macfarlane.

Tony Phillips drove in the tying run with a single to right, scoring Raines. Then Tejada tripled to left center, driving in Macfarlane and Phillips to make it 5-3.

Wetteland (1-2) had his third blown save in 26 opportunities for the Rangers, who have lost four straight.

T.J. Mathews (6-2) got three outs in the eighth, allowing one hit, for the win.

Billy Taylor pitched the ninth for his 18th save.

The Rangers have scored four runs or less in all 10 games since an 8-7 loss to Colorado on June 12. It was the first loss by the Rangers’ bullpen since April 27. They had gone 14-0.

Trailing, 5-3, in the bottom of the ninth, the Rangers got a leadoff single by Ivan Rodriguez off Taylor and Rusty Greer followed with a walk.

Then Phillips made a diving back-hand catch to rob Juan Gonzalez of extra bases on his liner to left-center. Greer was called out for passing Rodriguez between second and third. Rafael Palmeiro flied out to left to end the game.

Before the game, the Rangers learned that right-hander Mark Clark will be out another month because of a small ligament tear in his right elbow. Clark, placed on the 15-day disabled list last Sunday, had X-rays and an MRI on Tuesday.

The Rangers will honor the Stanley Cup champion Dallas Stars before tonight’s game against the Athletics. The Stanley Cup also will be displayed on the field.