Sonny Gray has been one of the few bright spots for the Oakland Athletics during a difficult season, but even his performance has slipped recently. Oakland (64-89) has fallen 25 games under .500 for the first time since 1997 and is on the brink of its first 90-loss season since that same year, a resoundingly disappointing way to end a run a three straight playoff appearances. The A's fell 8-1 on Thursday as Texas completed a three-game sweep, dealing Oakland its ninth loss in its last 11 at home.