The Rangers defeated Cleveland, 3-1, amid perfect spring-time weather conditions on Saturday night in Surprise. Dominant Texas pitching was the theme of the evening, with Cleveland going 0-for-11 with runners in scoring position.
Cleveland right-hander Shane Bieber cruised through his first 3.0 innings of work, but coughed up a three spot in the fourth frame that proved to be the deciding factor in the contest. Mitch Garver led off the inning with a single, advanced to second on a throwing error, and was then driven in on an RBI single by Nathaniel Lowe. The next batter, Adolis García, proceeded to unload on a tape-measure blast off the former Cy Young Award-winner that cleared the visitor’s bullpen in left field. The two-run shot accounted for García’s first home run and RBI of the spring, though he has slashed .269/.406/.462/.868 (7-26) over 11 G during the exhibition season.
Matt Bush was the starting pitcher in a scheduled bullpen game for Texas, retiring three straight batters in the opening frame after hitting leadoff man Andres Gimenez with a pitch. Bush has yet to permit a run over four one-inning ‘A’ game appearances this spring.
North Carolina native Owen White entered in the second inning to make his Cactus League ‘A’ game debut, firing 2.0 scoreless frames over which he allowed just one hit. Zak Kent, who earned the win, allowed one run (earned) on two hits and two walks in his first-ever spring ‘A’ game action.
The combination of Garrett Richards, Joe Barlow, Brett Martin, and John King totaled 4.0 shutout innings and six strikeouts in relief to close out the win. King picked up his first save of the spring after quickly retiring all three batters he faced in the ninth.
The Rangers will be back in action tomorrow for a 3:10 p.m. CT meeting with the Milwaukee Brewers in Maryvale. RHP Jon Gray (0-0, 4.50) is expected to start for Texas opposite Milwaukee RHP Brandon Woodruff (0-2, 13.50). Bally Sports Southwest Extra will carry a live telecast of the Brewers’ broadcast, with a replay of the game scheduled to air on MLB Network this Monday at 7:00 a.m. CT. 105.3 The Fan will provide live radio coverage of tomorrow’s contest, with Eric Nadel and Matt Hicks on the call.
From Rangers PR staff reports
