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PHOENIX (AP) -- Rich Harden pitched five solid innings in his second start of the spring, helping the Oakland Athletics beat the Seattle Mariners 7-1 Monday.

Jay Payton hit a two-run shot and Antonio Perez homered and drove in four runs for the A's.

Joel Pineiro threw five innings for the Mariners in his first outing since pitching for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic.

"I think it took me a little longer to get going," said Pineiro, who gave up Perez's three-run homer in the second. "I don't know if it's the weather or something like that. I felt great and my arm feels good. I threw all my pitches."

Fernando Vina drove in the only run for the Mariners.

"You did see a little of everything," Harden said. "That's why I need more games. I still have to iron out some mechanics. That's the big thing."

Harden allowed one run and four hits. He walked three and struck out seven. He struck out Kenji Johjima with the bases loaded in the first and got Roberto Petagrine on strikes with the bases loaded in the fifth.

"I don't think any pitcher really likes those situations, but I wouldn't want everything to be easy during spring," Harden said. "I still need to get my endurance. I was real tired that last inning."

Adam Melhuse has caught Harden both times this spring and was impressed with Harden's breaking ball.

"So far it looks a lot better than it did last year," Melhuse said. "If he gets that rolling it's a great pitch to have. He threw a couple more breaking balls than normal today."

Perez, who will back up Eric Chavez at third base, has six hits in his last nine at-bats. He also played third, shortstop and was moved to second base after Keith Ginter fouled a ball off his left knee in the seventh.

"He played everywhere and he did all right," Oakland manager Ken Macha said. "He's been very impressive, particularly hitting the fastball."

Frank Thomas hit again at the A's minor league facility, getting three hits in eight at-bats and striking out three times. He also jogged to first base. A's trainer Larry Davis said he hopes Thomas can get into a regular game by the weekend, although Macha would not confirm that.

Game notes

This was the only meeting of the spring between the AL West rivals. The teams meet four times in Seattle during the opening week. ... A's OF Doug Clark was reassigned to minor league camp. ... The Mariners obtained OF Joe Borchard from the Chicago White Sox for LHP Matt Thornton.