SURPRISE, Ariz. — Joe Nathan didn’t want to admit it, but giving up consecutive triples probably lit a little fire under him Monday afternoon.
Nathan saw Nick Noonan and Hunter Pence rip triples off him to start the fifth inning, but he responded by retiring the next three on strikeouts.While Pence’s triple proved to be the difference in the San Francisco Giants’ 2-1 victory over the Texas Rangers, Nathan was pleased with how he bounced back.“I finally had enough and was like, ‘All right, let’s find a slot and let’s find some stuff here,’ ” Nathan said. “It definitely got better and that’s the best I’ve seen my slider this spring. As that pitch comes along, that lets me know my arm strength is getting better.”Nathan wasn’t the only reliever who had a productive outing.Nate Robertson continues to make a compelling case to break camp in the Rangers’ bullpen, as he had another scoreless relief appearance. He has allowed only one hit with one walk and two strikeouts in six outings this spring.Cory Burns and Josh Lindblom also threw scoreless innings of relief.The highlight of the game, though, belonged to Mike Olt. He made a diving, run-saving catch in right field to end the third inning.“I got a good jump on it, dove, closed my eyes and when I woke up, I was like, ‘Whoa,’ ” Olt said, laughing. “But that was the first time I was able to react off initial contact and it definitely helps my confidence out there going forward.”Said manager Ron Washington: “Outstanding. He’s been working hard and at least he’s playing with aggression out there, and he’s not tentative.”Drew Davison, 817-390-7760 Twitter: @drewdavison
