"Chicago scored seven runs in the second inning against right-hander Scott Feldman, more than enough support for the Cubs pitching staff, which held the Rangers to nine hits.

Feldman, penciled into the rotation to open camp, said he was glad to get a lousy outing out of the way now instead of during the regular season. But he knows he has plenty to work on before his next start.

"You never want anything like that happen," said Feldman, who was 6-8 in 28 appearances (25 starts) last season. "I threw all my pitches, but my curveball was never located for a strike. ... I felt like I was always 2-1 or 2-0 [in the count], and you can't pitch like that."

Jarrod Saltalamacchia doubled in both of his at-bats and also threw out a runner trying to steal. Each double was a line shot to center field from the right side for the switch-hitter, who hit only .158 against lefties last year.

"He's a complete switch-hitter," manager Ron Washington said. "I don't think we've seen the real Salty yet. He's going to get some consistent playing time, and I think you're going to see a different Salty."

Andruw Jones started in center field, his first start this spring in his bid to resurrect his career. Jones looked fine defensively, but his struggles continued at the plate.

He struck out in his first six at-bats before reaching on an infield single.

Jones could get another start today. Josh Hamilton won't be with the Rangers when they make their first spring road trip to Tucson to play the Arizona Diamondbacks.

"I'm trying to get him as many opportunities to get out on the field as I possibly can," manager Ron Washington said.

Washington was well aware of Jones' numbers after three Cactus League games but said the one hit could be the start of something.

"The only thing that really matters is he got his base hit," Washington said. "Once you finally get that first knock out of the way, it's downhill from there. He'll be fine.""