Rangers break out bats after spring dry spell

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The Rangers entered Thursday's game with 62 runs scored over 12 games. That was tied for the fourth fewest in the Cactus League, but they put up 11 runs on 12 hits in a tie with the Dodgers at Camelback Ranch. The Rangers' .268 average had been the fourth lowest of the 15 teams that train in Arizona, and their .447 slugging percentage was the sixth lowest before their largest output of the spring.

The big blows for the Rangers were a pair of two-run home runs by third baseman Adrian Beltre and backup catcher Konrad Schmidt. It was Beltre's first home run of the spring. This was only his third Cactus League game after missing time with a strained right calf muscle.

"We're working to get our swings ready for the season, not putting up big numbers in Spring Training," Beltre said. "With the young kids, it's different, they're trying to make the team. The rest of us are trying to get in our comfort zone and get ready for the season."

Jeff Baker and Leonys Martin are trying to make the team and are headed in the right direction. Baker went 2-for-3 with a walk and three runs scored as the Rangers' designated hitter. He is now hitting .417 for the spring as he tries to win a job as a right-handed pinch-hitter off the bench.

Martin, trying to win a job as the everyday center fielder, was 1-for-2 with three RBIs. He had a two-run single and a sacrifice fly, and is hitting .391. He was back in the lineup on Thursday with no problems after sitting out Wednesday with a tight left hamstring.