Shields strong in Tuesday start

MARCH 17, 2009

RHP James Shields was sharp in his start Tuesday at the minor league complex, throwing five shutout innings while striking out five and giving up just one hit.

Shields was pretty happy with his outing, which lasted 65 pitches for Durham against Rochester at Charlotte Sports Park. The right-hander said he worked in breaking balls this outing, throwing "around five or six good ones."

"My last game, i felt like I was in season form as far as my direction toward the plate and I felt the same today," Shields said. "I feel really good."

Shields said he'll likely have three more spring outings before his second straight Opening Day start against the Red Sox, bumping his pitch count up to around 80, then 100, then back down to 50-60.

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Posted by Times Editor at 2:37:28 pm on March 17, 2009 | Permalink | Comments

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