Brewers Longballs Mask Ogando's 'Improvement'

ARLINGTON (CBSDFW.COM) -- What appeared to be a home run derby was something completely different to Rangers manager Ron Washington -- it was improvement.

Though in a losing effort, starter Alexi Ogando (5-4) pitched into the seventh inning for the first time since May 15.

"He got into the seventh inning with 73 pitches. It's improvement," said Washington following the game "We've just got to keep that long-ball from happening."

Ogando surrendered two home runs to the Brewers no. 9 hitter, rookie second baseman Scooter Gennett. Designated hitter Khris Davis added another long-ball in the seventh inning.

Prior to Tuesday's outing, Ogando had surrendered just three home runs in his previous eight starts.

"I think overall, my command of my pitches was working a lot better," said Ogando after the game. "But I left some out there, and they took advantage of them."

Ogando was on the DL from June 9 to July 22 with right shoulder inflammation. Since returning, the right-hander is 1-2 and has walked 11 batters in five starts.

With season ending injuries to pitchers Colby Lewis and Matt Harrison, Ogando is likely to remain the Rangers no. 5 starter. Catcher A.J. Pierzynski expressed confidence in Ogando filling that role.

"We'll take that out of him every time out," said Pierzynski. "We'd like to cut down on the home runs, but other than that, I thought he did a good job of keeping them in check and getting some double-plays. He made some pitches when he had to and I thought he was pretty good."

(©2013 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

Sports Stories You May Also Be Interested In: