MESA, Ariz. -- Outfielders Ian Desmond and Ryan Rua stayed hot as the Rangers pounded 13 hits in a 12-1 victory over the division-rival A's at Hohokam Stadium on Thursday night.
Texas starter A.J. Griffin, battling for the fifth-starter spot, did his part with five innings of one-run ball against his former team, striking out four and walking none with four hits allowed.
"Every time I go out and pitch it's an important game," said Griffin, who played from 2012-13 in Oakland. "I was amped up to being playing against my old team.