Alexi Ogando impresses managers as Texas Rangers’ hurler picks up second win
Alexi Ogando recently joined Matt Harrison and Derek Holland on the charts with perfect starts to the season. The fifth starter in the rotation picked up his second victory of the season when he went up against the Detroit Tigers.
What was interesting to note was that the hurler walked in with little experience in the rotation. The converted relief pitcher impressed the managers on both ends as he finished his game in triumph.
Manager Ron Washington was fairly impressed. The ace star was an eighth inning setup man for Neftali Feliz, last season and now he’s shinning bright in the roster as he’s gone perfect. What took the skipper by surprise was the fact that the Texas ball thrower
won a duel over Detroit’s first choice starter, Justin Verlander.
To further elaborate the accomplishment, Ogando went scoreless in the game as he allowed just two hits in his seven innings. His manager summed up his performance:
"Impressive, but that's what he does. He has good stuff and he has good command. He pounded the strike zone and didn't change anything from the first to the seventh. He followed the game plan to a T. He was good today".
Detroit’s skipper may be upset over his team’s meagre position in the American League Central division but he was still able to commend Ogando for his talent.
"He's got great stuff", Tigers manager, Jim Leyland, said. "He throws 94-95 mph with a good breaking ball. He attacks you pretty good. He was tremendous, he really was. And so was Verlander. They were both tremendous. They were just a little bit better than
we were".
Receiving praise from both managers is something special for any player. The Texas hurler was going to pitch on to complete his nine innings but a small problem on his right index finger prevented him from continuing. Washington called him off the mound
citing the desire to keep him fit for the other games ahead.
Whatever the case may be, Ogando may well be on his way to impress every manager in the American League.
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