Beliveau, Kirkman look strong in rainout vs. Brewers

PHOENIX -- The Rangers rallied against the Brewers for two runs in the top of the fourth inning before a wicked storm rolled over Maryvale Baseball Park and cut the game short with the Rangers leading, 2-0, on Friday.

The good news for both clubs was that the starting pitchers completed their workdays. Rangers left-hander Jeff Beliveau pitched around a walk and two singles for two scoreless innings, with one strikeout. He was relieved by Michael Kirkman, who also threw two scoreless frames. Brewers starter Tyler Thornburg walked two batters but didn't allow a hit or a run in three innings.

The temperature plummeted and the skies darkened with Brewers reliever Tom Gorzelanny on the mound in the top of the fourth inning. Gorzelanny walked Lance Berkman and Geovany Soto before a pair of left-handed hitters -- Brandon Allen and Leonys Martin -- delivered consecutive run-scoring singles with two outs.

After the Brewers made their final out in the fourth inning, heavy rain began falling and prompted an 18-minute rain delay before the game was called.

Up next for Rangers:The Rangers have a split-squad doubleheader on Saturday with Matt Harrison pitching against the Padres in Peoria at 2:05 p.m. CT, and rookie Nick Tepesch pitching against the Athletics in Surprise at 2:05 p.m. CT, as well This will be the third outing for Tepesch, who has a 1.80 ERA for the spring and is making a surprising bid to be the fifth starter. Opponents are hitting .222 off him, and he has struck out five without walking a batter in five innings. Tepesch is pitching the home game because club officials want to watch him, including CEO Nolan Ryan. Listen live to both games on Gameday Audio.