Neftali Feliz’s pitching helps Texas Rangers defeat Los Angeles Dodgers 5-4 – MLB Update
Neftali Feliz threw four tremendous innings as the Texas Rangers defeated Los Angeles Dodgers 5-4 at Surprise Stadium, Arizona on March 14.
Feliz was excited about his closing in the two innings of a two-strike ball against the Cleveland Indians. He turned the game with only two throws, one was his fastball and other was curve-ball. Feliz started to become more relaxed with his cut fastball
after keeping the Oakland Athletics to one strike over three innings of relief in his final appearance.
Neftali felt content in closing and wished to perform brilliantly in the same manner in which he earned AL Rookie of the Year awards during last season. After giving three runs and a strike with five hit-outs, Feliz was relieved to be a member of the Rangers'
starting alternation.
Speaking to reporters, Feliz said, “You [the media] asked me if I felt more comfortable about being a closer. I had trouble with my changeup so I was working with my pitching coach [Mike Maddux] on the cutter so I could work to be a starter.”
Adrian Beltre, who made his debut and Josh Hamilton hit his initial homer, also sparkled in that win.
Rangers’ manager Ron Washington commented that Feliz’s final position is still pending and it depends on the rest of his performance throughout the spring season.
Adrian fielded with a full game-winning spirit in the third inning but unfortunately, made a single run in the fifth inning before openhanded his spot to a pinch runner. In the ground, his day out was monotonous with no assists. Beltre felt confident to
get out there and be with his team-mates.
John Ely of the Dodgers’ pitched four innings, but permitted four runs, three of them were earned and had six strikes with three hit-outs. Ely has yet to face a walk problem in 10 innings during this spring season.
The Rangers managed to put in a brilliant effort as they restricted the Dodgers’ offence with their tremendous pitching effort. Texas’ offence also put up valuable runs to support their pitching line-up throughout the game. The Dodgers fought hard, but were
unable to get their offence to fire against the Rangers.
With the regular season just right around the corner, both teams were looking to finalise their rosters. The Rangers will be looking to improve their performances in their next match-ups and carry their winning momentum into to the regular season. The Dodgers
are looking to work hard on their game play and tweak their offence or the remainder of spring training. It will be interesting to see how the Dodgers manage to build some much needed confidence into their line-up.
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