Darvish throws inning in Rangers' 1st intrasquad

Yu Darvish throws an inning and Cruz homers in Rangers' 1st intrasquad game of spring

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Published On: Feb 20 2013 02:19:13 PM CST

SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) — Rangers top prospect Jurickson Profar drew a leadoff walk against All-Star pitcher Yu Darvish, stole second base and scored an unearned run to start an intrasquad scrimmage Tuesday.

Darvish, the Japanese ace who won 16 games as a major league rookie last season, threw 12 of 24 pitches for strikes while facing five batters. He struck out one and gave up a sacrifice fly to Geovany Soto after an error by shortstop Elvis Andrus.

Nelson Cruz homered for the team of mostly Texas regulars that lost 7-3 in a six-inning game.

Twelve pitchers threw an inning each. Alexi Ogando, who is returning to the starting rotation, and Robbie Ross, a candidate for the No. 5 spot, had the only 1-2-3 innings.

Another intrasquad game is scheduled for Wednesday.

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