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Feliz outduels Beavan, Rangers nip Mariners

Apr 11, 2012 - 5:04 AM Arlington, TX (Sports Network) - Neftali Feliz worked seven scoreless innings in his first career start, and David Murphy drove in the lone run in the second inning as Texas slipped by Seattle, 1-0, in the second of four between the clubs from Rangers Ballpark.

Feliz (1-0) gave up four hits and walked two while fanning four for the Rangers, who have taken the first two in the set and improved to 4-1 overall.

The 23-year-old Dominican and 2010 AL rookie of the year became just the third Texas hurler to hold an opponent scoreless in his first start, following Steve Comer in 1978 (Baltimore) and Brian Sikorski in 2000 (Yankees).

"Feliz was obviously the story tonight," Rangers catcher Mike Napoli said. "He did a great job. It's only one start, but I think he answered some questions on whether he can make the transition (from reliever to starter), but it was really fun to watch him tonight."

Blake Beavan (0-1) was the hard-luck loser, allowing a single run on six hits through 6 1/3 frames for the Mariners, who had won three of four coming into the series.

Texas provided all the offense its pitching staff needed in its second turn at the plate. Adrian Beltre slugged a leadoff double but was erased on a fielder's choice grounder from Michael Young. Young moved up to third on a wild pitch and scored on Murphy's two-out single.

Feliz worked out of a jam in the first after issuing two walks, inducing an inning-ending double play off the bat of Justin Smoak. After retiring the side in the sixth, he worked out of another situation to complete his outing.

Smoak singled and Jesus Montero added a one-out base hit, but Michael Saunders grounded into a fielder's choice and Miguel Olivo grounded harmlessly back to the mound.

Mike Adams tossed a scoreless eighth and Joe Nathan retired the side in order in the ninth to record his second save.

"You don't see too many 1-0 games in this ball park," Mariners manager Eric Wedge said. "Both starting pitchers were outstanding tonight. It was a tight ball game throughout and we created a couple minor opportunities for ourselves, but both guys really pitched well."

Game Notes

Feliz made 154 straight relief appearances before his Tuesday start...Murphy finished 3-for-3 with a pair of doubles...Seattle has lost 11 of its last 12 (and 14 of 17) games in Arlington...Smoak and Montero were responsible for all four of the Mariners hits, with two apiece.