ARLINGTON, Texas -- Oakland rookie right-hander Dan Straily was well aware of the ace pitcher and the powerful lineup he was facing. Now everyone can take notice of Straily, who on television before his latest start saw plenty of highlights touting Yu Darvish being on the mound. Straily allowed only two two singles while facing 22 batters -- just one over the minimum for his seven scoreless innings -- and Yoenis Cespedes homered as the Athletics won their fifth straight game, 1-0 over the AL West-leading Texas Rangers and Darvish. "My confidence was sky high to start the game," Straily said. "The last few times out, I walked people, hit people, hurt myself. I wasnt getting hit hard. I was hurting myself. The whole goal today was go out and fill up the strike zone." Darvish (7-2) struck out five, but walked three and hit a batter while giving up five hits in six innings. With the help of a couple of defensive plays, the only run he allowed came when Cespedes homered to straightaway centre in the third. Cespedes ninth homer went just beyond the reach of Craig Gentrys outstretched glove. Darvish had turned and watched after the slugger took a big swing and connected. "As soon as Cespedes hit that home run, I knew just keep it there, 1-0 our best chance," Straily said. "The best pitching performance weve seen out of him to date, in this ballpark, against a guy thats probably not going to give up too many runs," manager Bob Melvin said. "I think he just gained confidence as the game went along. Early in the game, hes throwing strikes, hes getting outs, theyre not hitting any balls hard really, and you just kind of grow from that." Darvish had won all five of his previous starts this season when pitching after a Texas loss. The ace from Japan had his last seven regular-season starts at Rangers Ballpark, going back to last season, and had entered the game getting a league-high 9.1 runs per nine innings pitched. "Ive been really pampered with all the run support Ive been getting. Youre going to have games like this," Darvish said through his translator. Even with consecutive wins to start the three-game series, Oakland still trails the Rangers by 4 1/2 games in the AL West. The Athletics go for a sweep on Wednesday. Grant Balfour pitched a perfect ninth for his ninth save in as many chances this season, and his 27th in a row since April 2012, to close out Oaklands third shutout of the season. Sean Doolittle pitched a scoreless eighth for the As. Texas was held scoreless for the third time this season. It was only the 13th 1-0 game ever at Rangers Ballpark, which opened in 1994. A.J. Pierzynski, the Rangers catcher activated from the disabled list earlier Tuesday, had a one-out single in the third. Jurickson Profar had a single in the sixth, but the rookie was caught stealing when he took off toward second base before Straily threw his pitch. "I think this can be a jumping off point for him," Doolittle said of Straily. "That was pretty impressive." After winning his season debut April 5 with 11 strikeouts at Houston, Straily was optioned to Triple-A the next day when Bartolo Colon was reinstated from the suspended list. Straily returned in late April, and was 0-2 with an 8.84 ERA in four starts since until dominating Texas. "Ive never lacked confidence, but this is definitely the most confident Ive felt out there," Straily said. Darvish, who raised his majors-best strikeout total to 91 in 66 2-3 innings, came out after 101 pitches. He had averaged 121 pitches his last three starts, including a career-high 130 five nights earlier against Detroit in a 10-4 victory. "I was as usual, nothing affected from the last outing," Darvish said. "I really begged Wash. I wanted to keep pitching." Notes: Rangers reliever Neal Cotts got three outs on six pitches in his first major league appearance since May 25, 2009. Texas purchased his contract from Triple-A Round Rock earlier Tuesday. The 33-year-old left-hander had ligament replacement surgery in 2009. ... Oakland DH Jed Lowrie left the game with a bruise after fouling a pitch off his right foot. ... 1B Daric Barton, designated for assignment Saturday when As outfielder Chris Young came off the disabled list, cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Sacramento. ... Right-hander Chris Resop also cleared waivers and was outrighted to Sacramento. Nike Sb Sale . Darren Helm scored on Detroits sixth attempt in the shootout and then Jonas Gustavsson stopped Andrew Shaws shot, lifting the Detroit Red Wings to a 5-4 win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday night. Cheap Nike Dunk Low . The visitors took a deserved lead in the 16th minute with midfielder Yohan Cabaye curling the ball beyond Adrian from inside the penalty area. http://www.cheapwholesalenikesb.com/ . At a Manhattan federal court hearing, attorney Jordan Siev said his law office has gotten more evidence nearly every day to support its lawsuit accusing MLB and Selig of going on a "witch hunt" to ruin Rodriguezs reputation and career. He said the defendants went "way over the line. Nike Sb Shoes For Sale . "I dont know that were close," said general manager Alex Anthopoulos. "I just think, right now, the acquisition cost just doesnt work for us right now. I dont know if I can quantify how far off or things like that that they might be but I would say we continue to have dialogue. Nike Air Foamposite Sale Cheap . -- Yogi Ferrell orchestrates pretty much everything in Indianas offence. SAN FRANCISCO -- The Giants want to make sure Madison Bumgarner never goes elsewhere.San Francisco general manager Bobby Evans spoke with Bumgarner and reached out to the ace left-handers representatives to let them all know the Giants are ready to begin discussions on a new contract whenever they are.Bumgarner signed a $35.56 million, six-year deal through 2017 that includes $12 million club options for the 2018 and 2019 seasons.We want to make sure Madison is here for the long haul, Evans said Thursday. Well certainly be available when theyre ready to talk. We continue to exchange volleys. Were ready when theyre ready. Ive even talked to Madison. Were very clear.MadBum pitched a four-hitter in a 3-0 road win against the Mets in the wild-card game last week to continue his October dominance, then had a no-decision in Monday nights 6-5, 13-inning Game 3 victory against the Cubs. Chicago eliminated the Giants the next night.The 27-year-old left-hander 15-9 with a 2.74 ERA this season. Two years ago, his spectacular postseason instantly put him right up with the best ever in October. He tossed 270 innings, including 21 with two wins and a save in a World Series that went to Game 7 against the Royals.His value to the Giants, its sort of incalculable, CEO Larry Baer said, noting hes already fielding questions about when the pitcher will get a statue. Hes been a tremendous asset for us. Hes done historic things.The Giants like to keep their homegrown players around well into the future.In April, first baseman Brandon Belt received a $79 million, six-year contract that takes him through the 2021 season. Shortstop Brandon Crawford signed a $75 million, six-year contract last November through the 2021 season.I have spoken with Madisons agent about what the timing would be, Evans said. Again, this is a conversation Ive had with each of his representatives that hes had this year. Timing on that I cant speak to.While the sting of falling short was still felt by the brass two days later -- the Giants would have played a Game 5 on Thursday back at Wrigley Field -- a team that clinched the second wild card on the seasons final day was credited for sticking it out through a tough second half.The group still hates to lose as much as they like to win, and thats a powerful statement, said Brian Sabean, executive vice president of baseball operations.ddddddddddddManager Bruce Bochy insists his health is good and he is ready to get exploring out in the mountains this offseason and prepare to win another championship. He spent a night in a Miami hospital in August but insists he is strong and energized to improve at age 61.Nobody is hurting more than this team and myself that were not playing tonight with a chance to move on, Bochy said. Im hungry to get back to the World Series, win another one. I couldnt feel better to be honest.San Francisco is strongly considering promoting from within the organization to fill spots in left field -- with Jarrett Parker or Mac Williamson -- while Eduardo Nunez and Conor Gillaspie are likely to play third. Nunez, whose strained right hamstring limited him down the stretch and in the playoffs, is someone Evans likes on an everyday basis with his fire offensively and athletically and I think he did a really nice job defensively.Its important to value our internal options, Evans said, noting both third basemen are both very strong options for us at third. Thats most likely the direction well go.Finding a closer will be a top priority, with Evans saying he would explore every opportunity to make sure that no ninth inning goes unstaffed.Well find ways to improve our bullpen. We have a good core there for years to come, he said. An overhaul would be a tremendous overstatement.Game notes Buster Posey is likely to play as regularly behind the plate despite down power numbers this season, 14 homers and 80 RBI. ... Third base coach Roberto Kelly and first base coach Bill Hayes will not return to those duties. Evans said it hasnt been determined whether they will remain part of the organization in reassigned roles. ... Evans said he has exchanged messages with one NL West club with a managerial opening -- either Arizona or Colorado -- regarding bench coach Ron Wotus. ... San Francisco plans to offer a contract to reliever George Kontos. ' ' '