OAKLAND -- Kevin Mench hit a three-run homer during Texas' sixth-inning rally, and the Rangers snapped Mark Mulder's 11-game winning streak with an 8-3 victory over the Oakland Athletics on Friday night.

Kenny Rogers joined Mulder as the majors' only 13-game winners with his 18th straight victory at the Coliseum. Rogers (13-3), who allowed six hits and three runs in 5 2-3 innings, hasn't lost in 35 starts in Oakland since Aug. 7, 1994.

Eric Young added a two-run double for the Rangers, who increased their AL West lead over Oakland to 41/2 games in the opener of a key three-game series.

Texas pounded Mulder (13-3), the winning pitcher in the All-Star game, for 10 hits and seven runs over six innings in his first loss in 15 starts since April 28. The left-hander had won his last five starts, but fell two wins short of Catfish Hunter's franchise record for consecutive victories.

Mulder never appeared to be in top form while losing to Texas at home for the first time in seven career starts. He lost control in the sixth, when Texas sent 10 hitters to the plate and scored five runs.

Michael Young started the rally with a single, eventually scoring on Hank Blalock's single. Gary Matthews drove in another run, and Mench followed with his 14th homer.

Eric Byrnes homered and drove in three runs for the A's, who lost their third straight and fifth of seven. Oakland kicked off a six-game homestand with just its sixth loss in 30 home games.

Byrnes snapped an 0-for-15 skid with a two-run homer in the third. He added a sacrifice fly in the fifth, scoring Marco Scutaro to give Oakland a 3-2 lead.

Eric Young had two doubles, two walks and two RBIs for the Rangers.

Brian Jordan was activated from the Rangers' disabled list and went 1-for-5. He had been out since May 25 with a knee injury.