PHOENIX – Tyler Skaggs, just called up from the minors, struck out nine in six scoreless innings and the Arizona Diamondbacks held on to beat the Texas Rangers 5-3 in the opener of a doubleheader on Monday.
Skaggs (1-0), who lost out to Patrick Corbin for Arizona's fifth starting spot in the spring, was recalled from Triple-A Reno after scheduled starter Ian Kennedy cut his right index finger washing dishes.
The 21-year-old left-hander gave up three hits and walked three, one intentionally.
Another 21-year-old lefty, Martin Perez (0-1), took the loss in his first start of the season, allowing four runs, three earned, in 5 1-3 innings.
Cody Ross hit a solo homer for the Diamondbacks.
Adrian Beltre had a two-run single in Texas' three-run ninth.