The Associated Press

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla.

Tuesday, March 28, 2000

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. – David Segui went 2-for-3 with three RBIs and Gabe Kapler added a solo homer and run-scoring single as the Texas Rangers beat the Cincinnati Reds 9-8 Monday.

Segui, acquired March 16 in a three-team deal had an RBI triple in a five-run third that also included doubles by Rafael Palmeiro and Royce Clayton.

Segui had a two-run homer in the fifth, his third of the spring and first with the Rangers.

Ken Griffey Jr. went 1-for-3 with an RBI single for the Reds.

Reds starter Ron Villone was pounded for nine runs – six earned – and 11 hits in five innings.

Cincinnati scored three runs in the ninth, getting a single from Deion Sanders. Hal Morris hit into a game-ending double play.

Texas reliever John Wetteland, who missed the first 18 games of the spring with tightness in his right groin, pitched the first inning and retired the side in order for the victory.

Wetteland has faced the minimum 12 batters in his four appearances, allowing one hit, which was erased by an inning-ending double play.

Dante Bichette added an RBI-double and sacrifice fly for the Reds.

Notes: Rangers LHP Mike Venafro and LHP Justin Thompson pitched in a minor league exhibition game. Thompson, rehabbing from left shoulder surgery last August, threw 30 pitches. Venafro, who has been bothered by a strained ligament in his left middle finger since January, tossed 20 pitches and walked a batter. … Center fielder Ruben Mateo extended his hitting streak to eight games with a fifth-inning single. … Ivan Rodriguez has hit safely in 13 of his last 15 games. … Kapler was batting .500 (12-for-24) in his last seven games prior to Monday.