Another spring first. Joe Nathan makes his spring debut. But before they got to him, Justin Grimm continues to show that his debut last year was his best game, as he got knocked around a lot in this one. Which seems to be the story every time I write about him anymore. Let’s put it this way. This early in the spring, pitchers don’t get taken out mid inning. Grimm did. 2.1 IP, 6H, 2BB, 6ER, 4K, 2HR. Not good. His ERA is 18.69.
After him, a parade of guys pitched for the Rangers, and most did pretty well. The only other guy to give up a run was Martin Perez, and that was mostly cuz of walks (two in one inning).
But the Mariners had 10 hits and 6 walks from the Rangers pitchers, so that made it a pretty good chance they’ll win, and they did. The M’s were up 7-2 after six innings, and the Rangers tried making a run of it late, by scoring twice in the 7th, and again in the bottom of the ninth, but couldn’t finish it off, and the rally fell short.
Oddly enough the Rangers had more hits (12), and more walks from the M’s (7), but didn’t win.