Millwood Having Solid Spring

There's no comparison between last year's spring training and this year's for Rangers right-hander Kevin Millwood. Millwood allowed one unearned run and two hits in four innings to help Texas beat the Seattle Mariners 4-1 Saturday. It was the first "A" game appearance of the spring for Millwood, after three "B" games in which he compiled a 2.84 ERA in eight innings against minor leaguers.

"I feel like I'm way ahead of where I was last year at this time," Millwood said. "I feel like my legs are a lot stronger, my arm's stronger, my pitches are further along than what they were last year at this time. I'm just closer to being ready to pitch in a big league game than I would have been this time last year."

Millwood threw around 50 pitches in the game, focusing much of the time on his changeup. He struck out both Adrian Beltre and Adam Jones in the first inning with that pitch. Millwood was replaced by Kameron Loe, who continued to make a strong push for the No. 5 spot in the Texas rotation. Loe allowed one hit in five shutout innings to get the save. He has not allowed a run in 13 2-3 innings this spring. Loe is battling Bruce Chen and Jamey Wright for the final starting spot.
Source: AP