Deng Kaiwei pitched 3 innings allowing 1 run, control issues persist

Houston Astros right-handed pitcher Deng Kaiwei started today's spring training exhibition game against the St. Louis Cardinals away from home, pitching 3 innings and allowing 1 run, but his inconsistent control remains evident.

This was Deng Kaiwei's fourth appearance and first start in this year's spring training. He threw 49 pitches over 3 innings, with 28 strikes and 21 balls, showing that control issues persist. He recorded 2 strikeouts, 2 walks, and 1 hit-by-pitch, allowing 1 hit and 1 run.

In the bottom of the first inning, facing the second batter Victor Scott, Deng Kaiwei threw four consecutive balls clearly outside the strike zone after one strike, with the final pitch hitting Scott. However, after the opponent reached base, Deng Kaiwei successfully induced a ground ball double play. In the bottom of the second inning, he produced three consecutive ground outs, effectively suppressing the Cardinals' offense.

But in the bottom of the third inning, Deng Kaiwei issued two walks to the first three batters, and a pitch thrown right over the heart of the plate was hit for a single by JJ Wetherholt, leading to a bases-loaded crisis. However, the Cardinals ultimately only scored 1 run via Scott's sacrifice fly. At the critical moment, Deng Kaiwei struck out Nelson Velazquez to resolve the crisis and did not return for the bottom of the fourth inning.

Overall, in four spring training games, Deng Kaiwei has pitched 8.2 innings, recording 11 strikeouts but also as many as 11 walks, allowing 5 hits including 2 home runs, conceding 4 runs with an ERA of 3.12. Although opponents' batting average against him is only .107, he still has an opportunity to compete for a spot on the major league opening day roster.