Thursday, September 10, 2009

Dustin Nippert Comes Through for Texas

By James Marquise

Dustin Nippert his justification for maintaining the No. 5 role in the Rangers' starting rotation of pitchers in Texas' 5.0-two victory on top of the Blue Jays in the 1st half of Tuesday's doubleheader. Next in line, Brandon McCarthy, returning for his first since leaving the rotation in June for the DL.

Nippert showed far better finesse than in his latest start last week in Newborn York. In the Bronx, he allowed eleven base runners (four hits, 7 BBs) and was only responsible for eleven outs. On Tuesday afternoon, he pitched out of trouble to get his fifth victory of the year and 3rd as a starter. Nippert was responsible for five hits, and walked only one. He lowered his ERA as a starter to 4.43 and overall to 3.91. It was Nippert's third fruitful game in his most recent five outings.

Nippert said there really was not a lot difference between how he threw last week and on Tuesday: "Just able to pitch strikes. In New York, I think I pitched one curve successfully. The bigger hole I put myself in, I tried more to get away from it. I was clearly going the wrong way. I continued walking men, trying to make that flawless pitch.

"Today, I was able to pitch it in front in the count, behind in the count. Keep 'em away from my fastball."

Insisted skipper Ron Washington: "I do not believe he was pitching too hard. He was spreading things around with his change-up and his moving pitches. Raised his fastball."

Washington and Nippert mutually indicated Nippert was not playing to keep his place in the rotation. And Nippert said he will gladly start or come in from the bullpen. Since the Rangers are in post-season contention, each roster member's role augments in significance.

"I only wish to contribute to this team," he claimed. "It's good for us that we maintain further arms presently. Whomever's pitching well you can choose to start.

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