ANAHEIM -- The sample size remains limited, but the Angels' experiment with JC Ramirez as a starter is working out well.
In his third career start, Ramirez delivered the best outing of his Major Leaguer career, tossing seven scoreless innings in the Halos' 2-1 victory over the A's in 11 innings on Tuesday night at Angel Stadium. The 28-year-old right-hander allowed just two hits while walking two, striking out seven and throwing a career-high 92 pitches.
"This is definitely his best start," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "For him to be that pitch efficient and that effective, putting seven zeros up, that's a huge step forward."
Ramirez retired the first nine batters he faced before surrendering a leadoff single to Jaff Decker in the fourth inning. He issued walks in the fifth and sixth and a bunt single in the seventh, but he did not allow a runner to advance past first base.
"He was throwing hard, and he had a really good slider," A's manager Bob Melvin said. "Throwing upwards of 97, 98 mph, and the slider 90. You have to start the bat early, you're going to see some bad swings."
It was an impressive night for Ramirez, who worked exclusively out of the bullpen over his first three seasons in the Majors. The Angels tried Ramirez as a starter during Spring Training, but he opened the season as a reliever until he was thrust into the rotation following the injury to ace Garrett Richards. His made two uneven starts before finally putting it all together on Tuesday.
"It's kind of hard, but I'm getting used to it," Ramirez said of his new role. "Today in the last inning, I was getting a little tired. Ninety-two pitches was, I think, the highest for me. It's not bad. You can have four days to recover. I'm just having fun right now."