Texas Rangers right-hander Rich Harden knows he needs to limit the big inning. That doesn't mean the number of hits or runs he gives up in a particular inning, rather his pitch count.
"The key for me is to minimize that one inning of work where I throw a lot of pitches," Harden said. "I tend to throw 30 pitches one inning and that costs me."
It cost Harden in his first start Wednesday against Toronto. In the fourth inning, Harden threw 32 pitches and didn't manage to get out of the inning.
Regardless, Harden still showed he had ace-caliber ability, striking out eight over his 32/3-inning outing. Going into today's start at Cleveland, Harden believes he will fare better after a good bullpen session last week.
"I feel strong and I feel confident," said Harden, who is 1-0 with a 4.67 ERA in six career games, including five starts, against the Indians.
"I just need to be more efficient and, when I'm ahead, I need to put guys away faster. I've got some pitches that hopefully I can get some early contact on and early outs."
"The key for me is to minimize that one inning of work where I throw a lot of pitches," Harden said. "I tend to throw 30 pitches one inning and that costs me."
It cost Harden in his first start Wednesday against Toronto. In the fourth inning, Harden threw 32 pitches and didn't manage to get out of the inning.
Regardless, Harden still showed he had ace-caliber ability, striking out eight over his 32/3-inning outing. Going into today's start at Cleveland, Harden believes he will fare better after a good bullpen session last week.
"I feel strong and I feel confident," said Harden, who is 1-0 with a 4.67 ERA in six career games, including five starts, against the Indians.
"I just need to be more efficient and, when I'm ahead, I need to put guys away faster. I've got some pitches that hopefully I can get some early contact on and early outs."
