TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) _ Jason Dickson, who missed the entire 1999 season because of shoulder surgery, took a big stride toward a spot in Anaheim's rotation by pitching 5 2-3 strong innings in the Angels' 6-3 victory Wednesday over the San Diego Padres.

Dickson allowed one run and five hits and earned his first win with clearly his best outing of the spring.

Working his way back from surgery to repair the torn labrum in his right shoulder, Dickson (1-3) allowed an RBI single to Padres leadoff hitter Eric Owens with two out in the fifth.

Angels' manger Mike Scioscia pulled Dickson after he gave up consecutive singles to Ryan Klesko and Carlos Hernandez with two out in the sixth.

The start, Dickson's third of the spring, was his longest of the exhibition season. He allowed seven hits and four runs in his previous outing March 17 against Milwaukee and entered Wednesday's game with a 9.35 ERA.

``I didn't start off (the spring) the way that I wanted to'' Dickson said. ``But, I knew that my arm strength was going to get better as spring training went on and I'm one of those guys who had faith that it was going to come around.

``Today was one of those days that I felt on top of my game.''

Scioscia hasn't counted Dickson, selected to the 1997 AL All-Star team as a rookie, out of the Angels' starting rotation.

``He had the command today,'' Scioscia said. ``His velocity picked up a little bit. That's the way Jason Dickson can pitch and that's the way he pitched when he was on the All-Star team.

``That was very encouraging to see him step up.''

Padres starter Matt Clement (1-1) took the loss. He worked six innings, allowing nine hits and four earned runs while striking out six. He allowed singles to Benji Gil, Darin Erstad and Jim Edmonds and hit a batter during a two-run Angels' third.