MESA, Ariz. - Anthony Ranaudo pitched six solid innings and Elvis Andrus, Jake Smolinski and Chris Gimenez each drove in runs for Texas before the Oakland Athletics rallied in the ninth for a 7-6 victory Friday over the Rangers.
Mark Canha hit a three-run home run in the bottom of the ninth after the Rangers scored five times over the final three innings to take the lead.
A’s starter Jesse Hahn allowed a run on three hits over 5? innings in his first appearance against the Rangers. He walked one and struck out three.
“It’s good to learn some of their hitters,” Hahn said. “Of course, they learn about me too.”
Former Ranger Craig Gentry doubled, tripled and scored two runs for the A’s. Stephen Vogt homered among his two hits and Ben Zobrist and Billy Butler each drove in a run.
“He sees the ball really well against me,” Ranaudo said of Gentry. “That was not the best sequence to Butler either.”
Ranaudo, in the hunt for a spot in the Rangers’ rotation, gave up two runs on five hits. He struck out two and did not walk a batter.
STARTING TIMES
Rangers: Ranaudo wants to be a starter and tries to focus on getting ready for the season. “If that means I’m starting, that’s where I want to be, but I want to be a part of this team,” he said. “Today was a step in that direction.”
Ranaudo rebounded from a poor outing his last time out, which was encouraging.
“This was the first time I got up for six innings and that’s a good thing,” Ranaudo said. “I felt good making a lot of pitches.”
Athletics: Hahn, who has been in the National League, feels like he’s ready for the season to start. “My arm feels great and I have a good feeling for all my pitches,” he said. “I can’t wait for the season to start.”
With one more scheduled spring start, Hahn will be working on his changeup. Catcher Luke Carlin pointed out a couple of things about the change. “He helped me on things I need to do on the change-up,” Hahn said. “I want to keep working on it. I’m getting more confident throwing it.”
CLIPPARD IS THE ONE
RHP Tyler Clippard was officially named the A’s interim closer, while Sean Doolittle continues to rehab from a shoulder strain.
Clippard closed for the Washington Nationals, something that A’s manager Bob Melvin said factored into the decision.
“He has a good mix of pitches and I like the experience,” Melvin said. “He’s pretty unique. You’ve got the goggles, the walk, the arm slot and the pitches.”
Clippard allowed two runs in the top of the ninth but got the win when Canha hit a three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Rangers: RHP Shawn Tolleson (right forearm stiffness) was scheduled to meet with team physician Dr. Keith Meister on Friday to help determine his next step. … OF Antoan Richardson was scheduled for surgery Friday, in Dallas, to repair a herniated disc in his lower back. …RHP Ross Ohlendorf (right groin stiffness) was also scheduled to meet with Dr. Meister on Friday after leaving Thursday’s game against the Colorado Rockies with a reoccurrence of his injury.
Athletics: OF Josh Reddick (right oblique strain) will start the season on the disabled list said Melvin. LHP Sean Doolittle (shoulder strain) played catch for the first time, making about 25 throws from between 45-60 feet. … OF Alex Hassan could begin baseball related activities this weekend. … OF Coco Crisp (sore elbow) is expected to return to the lineup this weekend after receiving a cortisone shot earlier in the week.
UP NEXT
Rangers: RHP Jon Edwards starts against the San Diego Padres in Surprise Saturday.
Athletics: LHP Scott Kazmir gets the start against the Chicago White Sox in Goodyear Saturday.
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