SURPRISE, Ariz. – Neftali Feliz and Joakim Soria, the leading candidates to replace Joe Nathan as the Texas closer, had contrasting results in the Rangers' 9-7 loss to the Chicago White Sox on Sunday.
Feliz and Soria are former AL All-Star closers. They both pitched sparingly last year while rebounding from elbow surgery.
Feliz surrendered three hits, including a two-run homer to Tyler Flowers in the sixth. Soria worked a flawless fifth, throwing nine strikes in 16 pitches.
Adrian Beltre drove in two runs with two singles as the Rangers took a 4-1 lead. Beltre, Prince Fielder, Jurickson Profar and Brent Lillibridge combined to go 8 for 8 with four RBIs in the first two innings.
Adrian Nieto, a Rule 5 draft pick, and Jared Mitchell delivered two-run singles in Chicago's five-run ninth off three relievers.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.