MESA, Ariz. -- Right-hander Kenta Maeda struck out three in three scoreless innings, and A.J. Ellis hit a three-run double to help the Dodgers secure an 8-3 victory against the host A's at Hohokam Stadium on Thursday afternoon.
Maeda allowed two hits and walked two in his second outing in a Dodgers uniform, after facing the minimum in two innings five days prior. He threw 17 of his 25 pitches for strikes, showing a well-placed fastball and a sharp slider.
"I think with Kenta it's the ability to change speeds," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "It's pitchability, the ability to throw pitches when he needs to, to keep hitters off balance, executing, and we got him up to 50 pitches today. He fields his position well. He took a close call off the bat of Coco Crisp, but rebounded. Good outing."
A's starter Rich Hill didn't fare as well, surrendering seven runs on five hits and three walks with two strikeouts in 2 1/3 innings in his second spring start for his new team.
Hill quickly retired his first two batters but walked his next three, setting up Ellis' bases-clearing double. Trayce Thompson followed with a two-run home run, his first of the Cactus League season.
Danny Valencia and Bruce Maxwell homered for the A's, and top pitching prospectSean Manaea worked 2 2/3 innings. The lefty yielded one run on one hit, walking two and striking out one in his second spring outing.
Up next for the Dodgers: It's back to Camelback Ranch on Friday for the second match in three days vs. the rival Angels in a 12:05 p.m. PT start. Rookie Julio Urias is supposed to pitch two innings in his Cactus League debut after Zach Lee gets the start. Considering injuries to Dodgers starters, Urias certainly is a candidate for the rotation, Roberts said. Fans can watch live on MLB.TV or listen on Gameday audio.
Up next for the Athletics: The A's will make the trek to Glendale, Ariz., on Friday to square off with the Reds. They'll have right-hander Chris Bassitt on the mound in the 12:05 p.m. PT matchup, which will see young slugger Mark Canha, slowed this spring by back stiffness, make his Cactus League debut in left field. Fans can listen live on a free exclusive MLB.com webcast.