Surprise Six: Perez makes his first start

March, 9, 2012
3/09/12
6:59
PM CT
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Martin Perez was on the mound for two innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Here are six things to take away from Rangers spring training Friday:

1. Martin Perez was nervous in his first Cactus League start, but felt he did pretty good. One of the Rangers' top prospects allowed two runs off three hits.

2. Michael Young made his way back into the lineup Friday. He went 1-for-2 at the plate.

3. Manager Ron Washington said outfielder Craig Gentry has improved his bunting this spring, but he hasn't had a chance to show it.

4. Pitching coach Mike Maddux held a closed meeting with Yu Darvish and the rest of the pitchers Friday morning. Darvish and some of the pitchers went to Field 7 after the meeting, where they took part in a competitive game to work on their fielding.

5. Pitcher Joe Nathan was happy with his outing Thursday. Jerry Crasnick was told Nathan's fastball topped out at 94 mph on the ballpark radar gun.

6. Outfielder Conor Jackson left Friday's game in the sixth inning. He was hit above his eye by a fly ball and needed five stitches.

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TEAM LEADERS

BA LEADER
Ian Kinsler
BA HR RBI R
.302 7 20 24
OTHER LEADERS
HRN. Cruz 11
RBIN. Cruz 33
RE. Andrus 29
OPSM. Moreland .905
WY. Darvish 7
ERAY. Darvish 2.84
SOY. Darvish 91

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