Jarrod Saltalamacchia has three RBIs, Rich Harden shines in leading Rangers past Royals 13-3

Saltalamacchia leads Rangers over Royals 13-3

SURPRISE, Ariz. — Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Matt Brown each hit a three-run homer and Rich Harden pitched two innings of one-hit ball in his Texas debut, leading the Rangers to a 13-3 rout of the Kansas City Royals on Thursday.

The Rangers pounded five KC pitchers for 21 hits in the spring opener for both clubs. Mitch Moreland was 3 for 3 with two RBIs.

Harden, who signed a one-year contract with the Rangers and is expected to be their opening day starter, had one walk and one strikeout and gave up only Scott Podsednik’s leadoff single in the first. The one run off him was unearned.

Saltalamacchia’s home run came on a 2-2 pitch from Kansas City starter Kyle Davies, who labored through two innings and was charged with four runs on five hits.

Mitch Moreland had two singles and a double and two RBI for the Rangers.