Miller works around base runners in effective outing
TEMPE, Ariz. -- As Shelby Miller works to fine tune a couple pitches this spring he also is working on -- though not by design -- pitching with runners on base.
That was the case for Miller on Tuesday.
The Angels clustered four hits and a walk in two of the three innings the Diamondbacks right-hander pitched at Tempe Diablo Stadium. But Miller allowed just one run as he built up his pitch count in his second spring start.
D-BACKS 5, ANGELS 3: THREE TAKEAWAYS
* The pick-off off Giovatella was called by shortstop Nick Ahmed and executed perfectly by Miller. Hale called it "fantastic."
"Hopefully that's a play we can use in the future," Miller said.
* Evan Marshall continued his big to crack the season-opening bullpen with two innings of two-hit ball. He gave up an unearned run pitching against an Angels lineup that could match its Opening Day version.
* Hale spoke well of the two innings Yoan Lopez pitched. He gave up one run on two hits and a hit batter.
"He's throwing the ball well," Hale said. "He's throwing his off-speed stuff with confidence and throwing it for strikes. That's a good sign for him."
-- Chris Gabel, FOX Sports Arizona
"He threw a lot of pitches." Manager Chip Hale said after the 5-3 victory. "He had to battle. They didn't get too many good swings on him. He probably threw too many pitches for three innings, but they fouled some balls off."
"I know I threw a lot of pitches but I felt like I threw a lot of good pitches," Miller said.
A ball that Rickie Weeks lost in the sun in left field for a double led to the only run against Miller, and a throwing error by catcher Tuffy Gosewisch put a runner on third base and added some stress to the first inning.
Miller cruised through the second and then needed a pick-off of Johnny Giovatella at second base to keep the Angels off the board in the third. Miller threw 58 pitches but said he felt like he could have gone back out for the fourth inning.
"It's still early in spring training," Miller said. "We still have a ways to go. For where we are right now, I feel comfortable and confident and my goal is to keep working forward.
"My arms feels great. That's what I'm working on right now: trying to stay healthy. Obviously, working on some pitches as well. But overall, I felt like I felt good."
Miller continued to work on his curveball -- something new pitching coach Mike Butcher wants him to sue more this season -- and will focus on his cutter next time out.
"The curveball is probably one of the things we're focusing on a little more," he said, "and from today I want to try to work on my cutter a little more; it was backing up a lot."
