Rangers' Kevin Millwood option vests

By pitching seven impressive innings, holding the A's to three hits while striking out two. By pitching seven innings, Millwood passes the 180 inning mark, guaranteeing the pitcher 12 million dollars next season. 

"I knew what I had to get to," Millwood said. "But I wanted to get deep in the game and win the ballgame. If I do that, everything else will take care of itself."

The Rangers would love to see Millwood's strong finish carry over into next season, especially with high expectations likely to surround some of their younger pitchers. 

Millwood owns a 4.04 ERA in 381 career appearances over 13 seasons with the Braves, Phillies, Indians, and now Rangers.