Davis' HR backs Salazar's outing in spring finale

April 2nd, 2016

ARLINGTON -- Rajai Davis hit a three-run home run off Derek Holland in the third inning and the Indians closed Spring Training with their fifth straight victory, beating the Rangers, 3-1, on Saturday afternoon at Globe Life Park.
Indians starter Danny Salazar, going five innings, allowed one run on six hits, walking three and striking out five. He threw 78 pitches and has allowed three runs in his last 11 innings in preparation for his first start of the season against the Red Sox on Thursday.
"I feel ready for the season," Salazar said. "The way I have been throwing the ball the past two starts is amazing. I'm very excited, not because I am the No. 3 starter, but because I am in the rotation. I earned my spot. I can't wait for the season to start."

Holland was also preparing for his first start on Thursday against the Angels. He went three innings, allowing the three-run home run while walking one and striking out one. He threw 61 pitches.
"I was very happy with it," Holland said. "I told them I wanted to work on a few things ... throw a few more changeups and work on the outer half of the plate. But at the same time, I wanted to stay ready for the season. I am definitely happy with the way the spring ended."

Both teams had most of their starting position players in the game for no more than 3-5 innings. The Rangers, who got an RBI single from Mitch Moreland in the first, lost five of their last seven to end the spring.

Up next for the Rangers: The Rangers open the season against the Mariners at 3:05 p.m. CT Monday at Globe Life Park. Left-hander Cole Hamels will pitch for the Rangers against right-hander Felix Hernandez. This will be the third time in four years that Hamels has pitched on Opening Day -- first for the Rangers. He is the seventh different Rangers pitcher on Opening Day in the last seven years.
Up next for the Indians: Right-hander Corey Kluber will be on the mound when the Indians open the season at 4:10 p.m. ET Monday against the Red Sox at Progressive Field. Kluber will be starting on Opening Day for the second straight year. He lost to the Astros, 2-0, in 2015. This time he will be going up against left-hander David Price.