Trevor Cahill pitched seven shutout innings as the host Oakland Athletics defeated the Texas Rangers 3-1 on Friday night.

Cahill (4-0) scattered seven hits and struck out four. In his last three starts - all victories, Cahill allowed two earned runs and dropped his ERA to 1.88.

He outdueled C.J. Wilson (3-1), who allowed eight hits and three runs in seven innings. Oakland closer Brian Fuentes allowed one run in the ninth, but picked up his seventh save.

Oakland scored its first run in the third inning on an RBI single by designated hitter Kurt Suzuki and added another run in the fifth on an RBI double by left fielder Josh Willingham, who returned Friday after missing two games with a strained muscle in his back. He finished 2-for-4 with an RBI.

The Athletics added an insurance run in the seventh on a throwing error by Texas second baseman Ian Kinsler.

Oakland was again without leadoff hitter Coco Crisp, who hasn't played since leaving Tuesday's game against the Angels with an injured quadriceps.