Desmond doubles in Rangers' debut, plays left

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Published March 04, 2016

SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) Ian Desmond did not have any chances in his first game in left field and hit a seventh-inning double for the Texas Rangers in a 3-3 tie against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday.

Desmond was the Washington Nationals starting shortstop and has made just two outfield appearances in his big league career, one game each in 2009 and 2010. Still searching for a team after the start of spring training, he agreed to a an $8 million, one-year deal on Monday with the Rangers, who plan to use him in left while Josh Hamilton is sidelined with a knee injury. Hamilton is expected to miss the first month of the season.

After Desmond doubled, pinch-runner Patrick Kivlehan scored on Ike Davis' single.

Scott Kazmir, signed to a $48 million, three-year contract, allowed hits to six of 10 batters over two innings, including RBI singles by Adrian Beltre and Michael McKenry. He struck out two and was aided by two ground-ball double plays.

Scott Van Slyke hit a two-run homer in the fourth off Cesar Ramos.

Corey Brown scored on a Jefri Hernandez wild pitch with two outs in the ninth, tying the score.

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