The Athletics got one ball out of the infield in the seventh inning Saturday off Rangers heretofore sensational starter Nick Martinez. But it didn't matter. His victory was all but gone.
Martinez entered with a 3-1 lead, but an error set a disaster in motion. Brett Lawrie followed with a single to center, Mark Canha beat out an infield hit and Martinez hit Josh Phegley with a pitch to force in a run and his removal.
The right-hander watched as Oakland completed a six-run inning, but though his win was out the window, his teammates battled back for an improbable triumph.
Martinez finished having yielded five runs, but only two earned in six innings with no walks and two strikeouts. His ERA inched up to a still-brilliant 0.84. It marked the first time he has given up more than one earned run in five starts.
He will hope for better luck Thursday at Tampa Bay.