Kinsler says there's no added pressure this September

ARLINGTON -- Second baseman Ian Kinsler said the Rangers are under no extra pressure this September, even though they are trying to catch the Athletics rather than hold them off. This is the first time in four years the Rangers were not in first place for every day in September.

The Rangers went into Friday 3 1/2 games behind the Athletics in the American League West. Last year, Texas didn't get knocked out of first until Oct. 3.

"We need to win games, whether we're up in the division or behind," Kinsler said. "Every game is important. There is still an urgency to win, but there is no extra pressure this year than last year or the year before."

The Rangers went into Friday's game having lost nine of their last 13.

"Sometimes teams go through a period where things don't click," Kinsler said. "If you don't overcome that, you're not going to win. We know what's at stake. We have to play well and win the series."