Fielder Blasts 3-Run Homer In Rangers' Victory Over D'Backs
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SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) - Prince Fielder hit a three-run homer, Colby Lewis pitched effectively into the seventh inning and the Texas Rangers beat an Arizona Diamondbacks' split-squad 5-4 Sunday.
Fielder homered to right-center field in the fourth on the first pitch from Josh Collmenter, who was the Diamondbacks' 2015 opening day starter. Robinson Chirinos went 3 for 3 and led off the four-run inning with a single.
Lewis gave up four runs on six hits, including home runs to Chris Owings and Phil Gosselin, and struck out six in 6 2/3 innings.
"Colby was much sharper today," Rangers manager Jeff Banister said. "He had more success throwing first pitches, getting his pitches to where he wanted to. His breaking stuff was measurably sharper. I thought he used the changeup when he needed to. He was able to work both sides of the plate, quick outs, quick innings and limited any damage that he got himself into. It was a really good outing for Colby."
Yoan Lopez, a 23-year-old Cuban right-hander the Diamondbacks signed for $8.27 million in January 2015, tossed three scoreless innings, allowing four hits, walking one and striking out four. Lopez, who has a 1.29 ERA in four outings, went 1-6 with a 4.69 ERA last season with Double-A Mobile.
"I grew a lot last year," Lopez said through an interpreter. "This is my second year in America. I feel ready."
Matt Bush made his second spring appearance and worked a scoreless eighth, allowing a leadoff double and a walk. Bush was the first overall pick in the 2004 draft and signed with the Rangers on a minor league deal in December after being released from prison in October.
"Anytime you see an arm like Matt's, 97 to 100 (mph) with the combo of the breaking ball and what's more impressive is it's at the knees and carries the velocity all the way through," Banister said. "He's also pretty impressive. It's fun to watch. When you've got power stuff like that, your margin of error is a little bigger. The breaking ball is still a power pitch, also. He's going to be a tough customer."
STARTING TIME
Diamondbacks: Lopez pitched out of a bases loaded situation in the first when Rougned Odor and Fielder singled and Ian Desmond walked. He struck out Mitch Moreland to end the inning.
"I struck him out with a breaking ball," Lopez said.
On walking Desmond to load the bases, Lopez said "with first base open, I was just trying to make a good pitch and if he swung, he swung."
Rangers: Lewis threw 62 strikes in 86 pitches, facing 27 batters. He gave up nine runs on 11 hits in a loss to San Diego in his previous start.
DAZZLING DELGADO
Diamondbacks RHP Randall Delgado struck out the side in the seventh, including Adrian Beltre and Fielder. He has struck out 11 in 10 innings.
TRAINER'S ROOM
Rangers: OF Delino DeShields, who was setback by a right biceps tendinitis Tuesday and was the designated hitter Saturday, will play center field Monday.
UP NEXT
Diamondbacks: RHP Kyle Drabek, who had already been sent to minor league camp, will start against the Giants. The Diamondbacks are 2-0-1 while scoring 26 runs in their first three meetings with San Francisco. LHP Robbie Ray will pitch in a minor league game instead of facing the Giants.
Rangers: LHP Derek Holland will start against the Dodgers.
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