2009/3/20 12 Scoreless Innings
from Tampa
I’ve pitched in three spring training games and have had good results in each. The line for my March 10th outing against the Cincinnati Reds was 2 innings pitched, no hits or runs allowed, and 2 strike outs. As usual, I pitched aggressively, getting strikes early in the count. In such situations, I don’t feel pressure and I tend to be able to pitch with good control. Prior to that outing, I didn’t know when I would pitch next but, after the game I was informed that I would get to pitch on the 13th. I feel I’m getting treated a little more like a veteran now.
The results for the March 13th game against the Boston Red Sox were 1 inning pitched, 1 hit and no runs allowed, with 2 strike outs. The starter left the game early so, I took the mound hurriedly, finishing my warm-up early. Honestly, I would have liked more time to prepare for the relief role but, I went to the mound feeling like I usually do as a starter. I went through the inning innocuously except for a hit to left. In the last two appearances, it has been nice to be able to get strikeouts when I wanted them.
The results of my March 16th appearance against the Philadelphia Phillies were 3 innings pitched, 2 hits, no runs allowed and 3 strikeouts. As I was able to get through the beginning of my outing smoothly, maintaining good control, I was able to pitch aggressively. In the last 6 games, I haven’t allowed any runs in the 12 innings I’ve pitched. Of course, I always focus on not allowing any runs. To make my case for a roster spot, statistics will be very important, so it is a good thing. I believe I didn’t get enough opportunities to pitch in the Majors last season although I was able to achieve good results in the Minors. Now I have opportunities to pitch against Major League batters. In a limited amount of time, only for these spring games, I would like to enjoy these opportunities showcasing my pitching skills to demonstrate that I’m good enough to play in the Majors.
