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Rick Ankiel off to hot start, hits first HR
Rick Ankiel - OF - Houston Astros
Feb. 28, 2013 - 5:55 PM ET

Rick Ankiel went 2-for-2 with a home run Thursday as the Astros topped a Yankees split-squad 7-6.

Ankiel is 6-for-9 with three extra-base hits as he attempts to win a spot in Houston's outfield. He'll likely be a starter in center or right if he can remain hot all spring. As is, Justin Maxwell is the only Astros outfielder who can be safely penciled into the lineup.