Five-run third helps Dodgers thump Tepesch, Rangers
Pitching: Nick Tepesch, trying to secure a bullpen spot as a long reliever, was lit up after two scoreless innings. The Dodgers scored seven runs on nine hits in the third. Tepesch struck out three in 3 2/3 innings before being replaced by Roman Mendez in the fourth. Phil Klein, a candidate for the bullpen, had similar trouble. He allowed three runs on four hits in one inning.
Hitting: Adrian Beltre had two of the Rangers’ 11 hits, including a double in the third that scored Shin-Soo Choo. Leonys Martin led off the game with a double but was stranded after Beltre, Prince Fielder and Ryan Rua were retired. Elvis Andrus tripled with two outs in the sixth, but Carlos Corporan grounded out to end the inning. The Rangers were 3 for 12 with runners in scoring position.
Notable: Rougned Odor left in the fourth inning with a bruised left shin, but manager Jeff Banister said it was a precautionary move. ... Jake Smolinski replaced Martin in center in the fifth. It was Smolinski’s third stint in center this spring, and he collected an infield single in the ninth.
Monday’s game
Royals at Rangers, 3:05 p.m., Surprise Stadium
Rangers: RHP Lisalverto Bonilla, RHP Jamey Wright, LHP Sam Freeman, RHP Tanner Scheppers, RHP Anthony Bass, LHP Alex Claudio, RHP Neftali Feliz
Royals: LHP Jason Vargas
This story was originally published March 29, 2015 at 6:41 PM with the headline "Five-run third helps Dodgers thump Tepesch, Rangers."