CBC SPORTS ONLINE - Rookie Carlos Pena burned his former team and sent his growing clan of fans home delighted.

Pena homered to start the bottom of the ninth inning, lifting the Oakland Athletics to a 3-2 victory over the Texas Rangers.

The lone rookie on Oakland's Opening Day roster, Pena smacked a 1-1 offering from Dan Miceli (0-1) over the right-centre field wall.

After the ball went over the fence, fans raised signs praising their hero.

Acquired along with lefthander Mike Venafro from Texas in January, the 23-year-old Pena has the job of trying to replace superstar first baseman Jason Giambi, who signed with the New York Yankees in the offseason.

Pena was able to play the role of hero after Gabe Kapler tied the contest in the top of the inning with a two-out, run-scoring single off Billy Koch (1-0).

Oakland lost its second player to injury in as many games after Jeremy Giambi suffered a contusion to his right forearm, when he was hit by a pitch from Kenny Rogers.

On Monday, Randy Velarde sustained a contusion to the back of his left hand.