As spring comes to an end, everything ‘clicking’ for D-backs’ Robbie Ray

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Robbie Ray continued his spring training tirade of striking out opposing batters on Saturday at Scottsdale Stadium against the San Francisco Giants.

Ray struck out 11 in 5.1 innings of work against the Giants, upping his spring strikeout ratio to 17.88 Ks per nine innings.

He gave up five hits and two walks and allowed two earned runs in a 3-2 loss, his final start before the regular season.

“I felt like everything was working,” said Ray after the start. “Fastball command was there, really sharp breaking ball, so that was a good one to have before the season started.”

Ray started the game by striking out five of the first eight batters he faced.

“Everything just is clicking,” he added when asked if he was doing anything differently this spring to yield improved results. “I think I feel more prepared going into this season than I have in years past.

“You know, mentally, physically, I fell in a really good spot right now.”

D-backs manager Torey Lovullo added that the 27-year old lefty has been doing everything right this spring.

“He was outstanding,” Lovullo said. “I think when you see that type of outing, you work into the sixth inning and have the success that he did, it tells you that you’re ready for the season.”

Lovullo reiterated Ray’s sentiment that his offseason program has led to the positive results this spring.

“All the success that he had during this spring was a result of the hard work he put in during the offseason, so I couldn’t be more pleased with what I saw today and really for all the entire spring training with Robbie,” Lovullo said.

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