GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Zack Greinke gave up one hit over three innings in his second start this spring, and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Oakland Athletics 10-5 on Monday.
Josh Phegley homered for the A’s, launching Greinke’s first pitch of the second inning over a leaping Joc Pederson at the center-field fence.
“Nothing was good, nothing was bad,” said Greinke, who gave up two runs and two hits over two innings in his first start March 11 against the Cubs. “I guess I was a little better than the last time. I tried mixing it more and the location was better with the fastball.”
Kendall Graveman helped his chances at winning a spot in Oakland’s starting rotation. He pitched two-hit ball for 4 2/3 scoreless innings in his third spring start. The right-hander, acquired Nov. 28 in a trade with Toronto, struck out two.
“He knows what he’s doing,” A’s manager Bob Melvin said.
In the eighth, the Dodgers scored eight runs on three homers — a grand slam by Darnell Sweeney, a three-run drive by Scott Schebler and a solo shot by Chris Heisey.
“We’ve been seeing it all camp,” Los Angeles manager Don Mattingly said. “Those young guys have really been swinging the bat. At the same time, you don’t want to make too much of a judgment on what happens in spring. But it’s nice to see them do well.”
The A’s got three runs in the fourth, all off right-hander Chris Hatcher. Phegley had a two-run double to right field.
The Dodgers scored two in the sixth. Darwin Barney hit an RBI double to center, and Corey Seager scored on a groundout by Adrian Gonzalez.
STARTING TIME
Before traveling to Camelback Ranch from Oakland’s camp in Mesa, Melvin announced that Sonny Gray will start on opening day April 6 at home against the Rangers.
Gray, who went 14-10 with a 3.08 ERA last year, will be Oakland’s opening-day starter for the second successive year. He would become the first A’s pitcher to make successive opening-day starts since Barry Zito in 2005 and 2006.
“He’s made for this,” Melvin said.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Athletics: 1B Ike Davis took batting practice. He has been sidelined since Wednesday with back spasms. He could play Tuesday against the Padres. ... OF Coco Crisp, bothered by a strained right elbow, took some swings. “He’ll play Tuesday if everything goes right,” Melvin said.
Dodgers: Los Angeles reliever Brandon League had an injection for inflammation in his right shoulder and is not expected to throw for several days. He last pitched on March 9. League, who turned 32 on Monday, began to feel discomfort in his shoulder last Wednesday during a bullpen session. “He’s still not quite right,” Mattingly said.
CIVIL RIGHTS GAME
The Dodgers announced they will play the 2015 Civil Rights Game on Jackie Robinson Day on April 15 at home against Seattle. It’ll be the first time Major League Baseball’s tribute to civil rights will be held in conjunction with the day in 1947 that Robinson broke the color barrier.
UP NEXT
Athletics: Scott Kazmir is scheduled to make his second spring start Tuesday against the San Diego Padres. Melvin said Kazmir will be the second or third starter in Oakland’s season-opening series.
Dodgers: Hyun-Jin Ryu gets his second Cactus League start Tuesday against the Texas Rangers in Surprise. Ryu, the team’s third starter behind Clayton Kershaw and Greinke, worked two hitless innings against the Padres last Thursday.
