OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — After erasing what once appeared to be an insurmountable deficit, it has come down to this for the Oakland Athletics — one game against the Texas Rangers to decide the AL West title.

Travis Blackley allowed one run over six innings in a strong bounce-back performance that helped the A's move into a first-place tie with Texas by beating the Rangers 3-1 Tuesday night.

"As long as we believe inside this clubhouse and we know we can get it down, we're going to do it. I honestly believe we're going to win tomorrow," closer Grant Balfour said. "Nothing is guaranteed, but it's about as good as. I believe we can go out and get it done."