Overton fires six, Motter homers in Seattle win

March 25th, 2017

PEORIA, Ariz. -- , a southpaw acquired from the A's in January, threw six innings of one-run ball in his second Cactus League start as Seattle topped the Rangers, 3-1.
Rangers left fielder ripped a first-inning home run off an Overton changeup, but the 25-year-old gave up just four hits with no walks and three strikeouts in a 71-pitch outing.
"I'm trying to do as much as possible to open their eyes and make them at least think about it really hard," said Overton. "I'm just going to keep doing my job and see what happens. Last year in big league camp, I threw six innings and got sent down the first round of cuts. So for me to still be here this year is a big deal, and I'm trying to make the most of my opportunity."

Manager Scott Servais said Overton will continue working as a starter, which means he'll almost certainly open the season in Triple-A Tacoma.
Texas starter , pushing for a spot either as a fifth starter or long man in the bullpen, pitched three scoreless innings before giving up a two-run double to Ben Gamel in the fourth. One run was unearned after a throwing error by third baseman , but Martinez was irritated he didn't pitch smarter to Gamel, a left-handed hitter, with runners at second and third..
"Bit of a learning experience," Martinez said. "I made a good pitch, but I should have made him hit my pitch. Other than that, I felt great."
, who has all but clinched Seattle's utility role, launched his second homer of the spring leading off the sixth against Rangers knuckleballer .

Rangers Up Next: Left-hander Cole Hamels starts for the Rangers at 3:05 p.m. (CT) Sunday against the Dodgers in Surprise on MLB.TV. Hamels will be making his third Cactus League start. He allowed two runs, one earned, in four innings against the White Sox on Tuesday.
Mariners Up Next:Drew Smyly makes his first Cactus League start since returning from the World Baseball Classic in a 1:05 p.m. PT game Sunday against the Reds in Goodyear. Closer , just back from his stint with Puerto Rico, is expected to pitch in relief.
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