Feliz caps Appy League finishing kick

Igol Feliz lost a year of developmental time, but he's made up for it in a big way over the last month.

The Royals prospect gave up one hit over six innings on Tuesday night as Rookie-level Burlington wrapped up the Appalachian League regular season with a 10-0 romp over Bluefield.

Feliz (4-6) kept the Blue Jays out of the hit column until D.J. McKnight singled with two outs in the sixth. The 22-year-old right-hander struck out three and walked four in his 13th appearance and 10th start for the Royals.

"He gave us six strong innings, one hit with two outs in the sixth," Burlington manager Scott Thorman said. "He had three pitches working tonight and he gave us a heckuva start at the end of the season, when we needed it.

"He kept hitters off-balance and attacked the zone and relied on his defense. He's been solid for us all year and he put it all together tonight."

Over his last six starts, the native of the Dominican Republic native yielded three earned runs on 19 hits over 29 innings. He got his ERA down to 3.32, which ranks ninth in the league.

"He's settled down and settled into his role as a starter," Thorman said. "He trusts his stuff and he's really honed in on his skills. He's been pitching excellent for us the last six weeks."

Signed by the Royals as a non-drafted free agent in February 2011, Feliz missed all of 2014 while recovering from Tommy John surgery. He completed his first season with Burlington after three in the Dominican Summer and Arizona leagues.

"Coming off Tommy John, this is first full season back, we've built him up," Thorman said. "He's been very durable for us and we've relied on him to go deep into the game for us all season."

Mark McCoy followed Feliz and gave up a hit and two walks while striking out two over two innings. Gabriel Cramer allowed a hit and fanned one in the ninth.

Luke Willis paced the Royals offense, going 3-for-4 with a pair of RBIs and two runs, scored while Angelo Castellano delivered a two-run triple.

Bluefield starter Juliandry Higuera fell to 5-4 after surrendering up six runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out one over four innings.