SURPRISE, Ariz. - Texas ace Yu Darvish began his 2014 campaign much like he pitched in 2013, dominating the hitters he faced.
Darvish threw 13 pitches in his one inning of work in an intrasquad game, striking one a batter and not allowing a hit. Darvish will next start Thursday's exhibition opener against Kansas City.
He was pleased with his outing Monday in which he faced four hitters because of an error he made covering first base.
"It's been a while since I faced a hitter in a game situation, so I felt a little bit awkward, but I think I'll get used to it little by little," Darvish said.
Darvish wasnât the only effective pitcher in the intrasquad game. Tommy Hanson, who is trying to win a spot in the starting rotation, followed Darvish to the mound in the second inning and worked a perfect frame, striking out two of the three batters he faced in an 11-pitch inning.
