Rangers Split Spring Games
PEORIA/LAS VEGAS (AP) - Blake Beavan turned in his best performance of the spring Sunday, allowing one run and three hits in six solid innings to help the Seattle Mariners beat a Texas Rangers split squad 4-3.
Mariners centerfielder Franklin Gutierrez played his first game since March 9. He was out because of tightness in his legs. Gutierrez batted leadoff and went 0 for 2 with a walk.
The 24-year-old Beavan is competing with Jon Garland, Erasmo Ramirez, Jeremy Bonderman and Brandon Maurer for one of two remaining spots in the starting rotation. He was perfect through three innings before running into trouble in the fourth.
Seattle left fielder Raul Ibanez hit a two-run home run off Texas closer Joe Nathan in the fourth inning. Designated hitter Kendrys Morales added a two-run shot in the eighth.
In Vegas, Mitch Moreland hit a two-run homer off Carlos Villanueva, Robbie Ross pitched three scoreless innings and the Texas Rangers beat the Chicago Cubs 8-5 in a matchup of split squads.
Villanueva pitched four innings, allowing four hits and three runs. He walked two and struck out two.
Jose Felix also hit a two-run homer in seventh for Texas.
Ross gave up four hits and three walks. He struck out three. He left six on base, including the bases loaded in the third.
Nate Schierholtz homered to right leading off the sixth and Tim Saunders had a two-run shot in the eighth for the Cubs.
Chad Bell got the save, striking out Brad Nelson with the bases loaded.
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