I believe Niemann now has like a 7:1 strikeout to walk ratio this spring. I didn't see the game, but if nothing else, whatever Niemann is working on seems to be working with his control. That or the opposing hitters simply don't care or just suck. The Heater also said this:
Niemann said he's open to a spot in the rotation or bullpen, and is getting close to refining all his pitches to where he wants them for the season.
As for Brandon Backe, same old, same old:
| Houston | IP | H | R | ER | BB | SO | HR | ERA |
| Backe (L, 0-1) | 2.0 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 9.00 |
That homerun is notable because it came off the bat of Reid Brignac. Someone owes DaveH33 money, and that's never a good thing.