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Arlington, TX, United States (AHN Sports) – Alexi Ogando continues to impress.

The second-year pitcher tossed another gem Friday night, improving to 4-0 on the season, as the Texas Rangers defeated the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 4-1 at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.

Ogando, in his first season as a starter, sparkled in his seventh outing of the season, allowing just one run on five hits in 6.1 innings, while walking just one, striking out five and hitting one batter. It was a strong performance made even more noteworthy by the fact that he defeated Angels ace Jered Weaver.

“I felt great because all my pitches were working and I was able to place them wherever I want,” said Ogando through an interpreter. “Everything was working, that’s why it was a great night.”

Even Weaver, who gave up four runs on seven hits in six innings of work, gave Ogando credit.

“Ogando threw a great ballgame,” said Weaver, who lost his third straight decision after starting the season 6-0. “I had to throw a shutout today and it wasn’t going to happen with the ball up. That’s how it rolls sometimes.”

Ogando has always had a powerful fastball, but he has been able to develop other pitches and use them strategically to keep opposing hitters off-balance.

“I feel confident in my fastball and now I can say I feel confident in my change-up,” said the 27-year-old Ogando, who served as a set-up reliever last season. “Right now I feel that my pitches have been working, and I know that if I keep working, the sooner the better. I don’t know that I can be a dominant pitcher, but I know I can do my job out there.”

“He was able to use all his pitches, he was able to establish his fastball, mainly,” said Rangers manager Ron Washington said of Ogando. “Then, a couple of innings into the game, he started establishing his off-speed stuff, elevated the ball when he had to, kept the ball in on them, tried to hit down and away. He really pitched well tonight.”

After not being allowed into the U.S. for five years due to visa issues, Ogando, who is from the Dominican Republic, finally made it to the majors in 2010 and compiled a stunning 1.30 ERA as a reliever following his promotion from Class AAA Oklahoma in June.

In spring training this year, Ogando attempted to move into the starting rotation, but did not make the cut, returning to the bullpen on opening day. But an injury to Tommy Hunter opened the door again, and Ogando and seized the opportunity, lasting at least six innings in each of his seven starts.

Ogando was actually pitching on nine days rest after missing his previous start due to a recurring blister problem on his right (throwing hand) index finger.

The blister has bothered him all season, even forcing him to leave each of his first two starts earlier than he would have otherwise. It began to re-surface again Friday, but not enough to impact his performance.

“Around the sixth inning, it started acting up, but it didn’t affect him,” Washington said. “Ogando said he didn’t feel it.”

“It bothered me a little bit, but nothing too bad,” Ogando acknowledged. “It was just sore a little bit. No pain, really.”

Just like the results of his pitching.

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