The Texas Rangers appeared to have the momentum after battling back from an early deficit, but their comeback quickly unraveled as the Athletics pulled away for an 8-3 victory Friday night.

Texas fell behind early after Kumar Rocker encountered trouble in the opening inning. A hit-by-pitch, a single, and a walk loaded the bases before Carlos Cortes delivered a bases-clearing RBI double, giving the Athletics an immediate advantage.

The Rangers struggled to generate much offensively through the first five innings, recording only a handful of opportunities against Athletics starter Gage Jump. That changed in the sixth inning when Texas finally broke through.

Jake Burger gave the Rangers life with one swing of the bat. After working the count full, Burger launched a three-run homer to left-center field, bringing Texas even at 3-3 and ending Jump’s outing.

The long ball represented the Rangers’ biggest offensive moment of the night and briefly shifted the game in their favor. Texas, however, could not capitalize on the momentum and managed only four hits overall.

The Rangers also struggled to convert their limited opportunities, going 1-for-5 with runners in scoring position. Once the Athletics regained the lead, Texas was unable to mount another response.

Jeff McNeil put the Athletics back in front with a solo homer in the sixth, giving the Athletics a lead they would not surrender. Lawrence Butler added another home run in the seventh, extending the advantage to 5-3.

The Athletics then broke the game open in the eighth with three additional runs, turning what had been a competitive contest into a comfortable victory.

Texas’ bullpen was unable to keep the Athletics within reach after the Rangers had tied the game. Chase Silseth was charged with the loss after allowing one run in his lone inning, while the Athletics’ relief corps held the Rangers to just one hit over the final 3.2 innings.

For Texas, the loss was another frustrating example of an opportunity slipping away after the club managed to overcome an early hole. The Rangers will have another chance to even the series Saturday.

MacKenzie Gore is scheduled to start for Texas on Saturday. The left-hander enters with a 6-9 record and a 4.43 ERA and will face Athletics right-hander J.T. Ginn.

The Rangers will need a stronger offensive performance and more consistent pitching if they are going to respond and avoid falling further behind in the series.