Feliz excels in first Double-A win for Hooks

Michael Feliz got a taste for the big leagues and that experience will provide him with what he needs to get back there.

The Astros' No. 5 prospect allowed two hits over a season-high 5 1/3 innings as Double-A Corpus Christi blanked Frisco, 2-0, in the opening game of Thursday's doubleheader.

Feliz set down the first 12 batters in order before giving up a leadoff double to No. 3 Rangers prospect Nomar Mazara in the fifth inning. The 21-year-old right-hander struck out four without issuing a walk. Feliz threw 60 of his 90 pitches for strikes and exited after surrendering a one-out single to Edwin Garcia in the sixth.

"He established fastball command early," manager Rodney Linares said. "He pitched inside aggressively. He was in total control from pitch No. 1. It was impressive to see him do that. His fastball, he can overpower teams, he's got that kind of fastball."

Feliz made his Texas League debut on May 26, striking out seven while giving up one run on one hit over four innings of relief. While on the surface, his fourth Texas League start would appear most impressive, it was his debut that wowed Linares.

"I think the first time was the best I saw him," he said. "He pitched against a pretty tough Northwest Arkansas team. It was really impressive. He gave up a home run to Raul Mondesi, and then after that, he was unhittable."

His time in the Texas League was interrupted however, as the Astros promoted the Dominican Republic native to "The Show" on May 31. Feliz made his Major League debut the same day, giving up one hit in a scoreless inning out of the bullpen. While he was sent back down the next day, the experience provided a boost to the young hurler.

"I think it helped his confidence," Linares said. "Michael is a very quiet kid, but a very confident kid. I think going up there and knowing he can compete at the big league level gave him a different outlook on where he's at. Sometimes these guys don't understand that they are a phone call away. I think that helped him out a lot. I know he's really appreciative of it."

With a quick dip in the big league pool and his first Texas League win under his belt, Linares believes Feliz needs to just keep working and he'll return to Houston sooner rather than later.

"Michael just needs to pitch," he said. "He's a really young kid. He's really mature as a pitcher, but he's still not there, he still has a lot to learn. He's on the right track. I hope to see more like what I saw tonight in his following starts."

Overall, Feliz is 2-2 with a 4.50 ERA in 12 appearances between Class A Advanced Lancaster and Corpus Christi.

Michael Cotton recorded the final five outs, not allowing a hit while striking out two and walking one to earn his first save for Corpus Christi.

Roberto Pena doubled home two runs in the second to provide the offense for the Hooks.

Texas' No. 4 prospect Jake Thompson (6-5) took the loss, giving up two runs on three hits while striking out five over six innings in the first complete game of his career.