Texas Rangers’ closer Neftali Feliz learning in playoff stint – MLB Playoffs
Neftali Feliz has been on the mound as a regular closer for the last two years. The hurler was scheduled to pitch again for the Texas Rangers against the Detroit Tigers on Sunday, October 9 at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington in Game 2 of the American League
Championship Series. The star however never got on the mound as rain washed away the game. The Rangers manager Ron Washington talked about the player as he addressed the press on Sunday.
The manager highlighted Feliz’s smooth run through the playoffs as the closer has become an integral part of the club, notching up 74 saves for the club, since making his start in 2009. The player has come through a lot of challenges this season, but his
consistency has led the club to the top of the table in the American League West Division.
In the Championship game against the Tigers on Saturday, October 8, Feliz produced an inning in the ninth that saw the Tigers manage just one hit against the pitcher. Rangers’ closer struck three hitters in the game to end the match with a win. So far, he
has four saves this post-season. Compared to last year’s one save in the World Series, three of Feliz’s four saves have come from one-run leads.
"He did it last year in this setting, so he's under control," manager Ron Washington. "He certainly looked focused to me, and I think with each outing, of course he gains more and more experience."
The only time Feliz conceded a run in the playoffs this year was against the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 4 of the American League Division Series. Nevertheless, he ended the bout with just that run in the ninth.
"I'm very comfortable with him," Washington said. "When you are trying to get those last three outs of a ballgame, I don't think you can do anything about what your ticker is doing. You just hope it continues to tick."
Feliz is incredible in his composure. If one tends to look at the Rangers’ squad, there is a lot of potential that has been realised by the management. Feliz is one asset to verify that fact.
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