RANGERS 7, ATHLETICS 6
at Phoenix, Ariz.
Thursday, March 8

A's at the plate: Milton Bradley had two hits, including an RBI triple. Charles Thomas had two hits, including a double and an RBI. Eric Chavez and Hiram Bocachica also drove in runs.

Rangers at the plate: Sammy Sosa, Frank Catalanotto, Ian Kinsler and Jason Botts each had two hits. Nelson Cruz's two-run triple in the seventh highlighted a five-run rally.

A's on the mound: Right-hander Dan Haren gave up a run on five hits in three innings. He walked two and struck out two. Relievers Jay Witasick, Kiko Calero and Huston Street each pitched a scoreless inning.

Rangers on the mound: Righty Vicente Padilla gave up three runs on six hits over three innings. He walked two and struck out one. Padilla has given up four runs in five innings over his first two spring starts. Righty Joaquin Benoit threw two perfect innings, with three strikeouts. He's unscored upon in his first three appearances, with five strikeouts in four innings. Opposing hitters are .077 against Benoit this spring.

Cactus League records: Rangers 5-2; Athletics 3-4-1

Up next: The A's Rich Harden makes his second appearance of the spring on Friday against the San Francisco Giants in Scottsdale. He struck out five in two innings in his first start. After being placed on the disabled list three times in the past two years, Harden is keeping an eye on his mechanics. The Giants starter has yet to be determined.