In his second at-bat, new CF Josh Hamilton, a left-handed hitter, displayed impressive opposite-field power. He doubled off the top of the left-field wall to drive home two runs in the fifth inning Wednesday to lead the Rangers to a win in the exhibition opener at Surprise Stadium.

Hits: RF Nelson Cruz made a sliding catch after a long run on Justin Huber's foul ball in the sixth. ... 1B Jason Botts scored from second on a ball that didn't make it out of the infield. He had a nice slide around a tag at home. ... OF Kevin Mench went first-to-third on a routine single to left. ... C Gerald Laird caught Alex Gordon trying to steal second.

Misses: 2B Ian Kinsler's first throw of the spring, a hurried attempt at a double play relay, sailed over first base. ... The first inning ended with Nos. 2-4 hitters Hamilton, SS Michael Young and 3B Hank Blalock striking out.

Up next: The Rangers travel to Tempe for an unusual 4:05 p.m. Central time start against division foe Los Angeles. It's the first of four games against the Angels this spring. LHP Kason Gabbard starts for the Rangers against RHP Ervin Santana.

The weather (Fair): It was 77 degrees with the slightest breeze and clear skies at gametime. Welcome to February!

Germans (Fair): They are over-running Surprise, with Esteban German on the Royals roster and Franklyn German and German Duran in the Rangers camp.

Invitations (Fair): City of Surprise added Northern Illinois baseball team to field in college tournament that starts today. Nice touch after on-campus tragedy.

When you are 6-7, 200 pounds, finding clothes that fit well is important. Rangers pitcher Brandon McCarthy, who spends the season at a downtown Dallas condo, knows the importance of a sleek, sophisticated look.

Are you a clothes horse?

I used to just wear whatever I found, but the last couple of years I've gotten pickier. Now, it's all about the fit. I like the slim fit stuff. I gave away a ton of stuff to my dad that I never wore because I bought clothes that didn't fit. I made some bad decisions.

What's a good color for you?

I like a blue or a green. I'm real partial to those. If that isn't a good color for me, then I'm just wrong.

Have you become a designer guy?

I do like stuff by a guy named J. Lindeberg [a Swedish designer who does a lot of Jesper Parnevik's golf attire]. He's got stuff that is a little dressier but that you can also dress down a little. And, of course, it's got the slim fit.

So, what would you call your personal style?

Dressy casual more than anything, I guess. But I still get a little more dressed for some situations than is called for. I don't think I have enough style yet to be labeled as any one kind of guy.

Shopping: Do you enjoy it or does somebody shop for you?

Nobody can buy clothes for me, because they have no idea what sizes I wear. They can try, but it's usually a losing proposition. My mom did buy me a couple of sweaters, though, for Christmas and she hit on both of them. But she knew it was a risky proposition.

You've also got a lot of LSU stuff, even though you didn't go there. What's the LSU stuff for?

Game days and casual T-shirt day. It's even worked its way into my girlfriend's closet.

So, it's like an infectious disease or something?

Yeah, it is. It might just be all the winning that does it.

An occasional glimpse into the evolving role of new Rangers president Nolan Ryan:

Ryan did not make the spring opener and had to cancel a dinner date with owner Tom Hicks and general manager Jon Daniels in order to catch up with a former Rangers president. After a lunch with President George W. Bush on Wednesday, Ryan was headed to camp. He is scheduled to meet with Rangers sponsors tonight at a reception hosted by commissioner Bud Selig.