(Reuters) - The Texas Rangers became the first American League team to clinch a playoff spot when they clinched the AL West Division with a 3-0 victory over the Oakland Athletics on Friday. Starter Cole Hamels breezed through seven scoreless innings while Carlos Beltran and Adrian Beltre each homered to allow the Rangers to celebrate a post-season berth with a shutout. The victory secured a second consecutive division title for Texas (91-63), who lost in the American League Division Series a year ago, and fourth in the last seven years.
