"It's so much fun to be out there, closing out the game," Melancon said. "It's my favorite thing."

Melancon has been lights-out as a set up man this season, allowing just one run in his last 17 appearances, and the team clearly feels comfortable with him as a possible backup in case Jason Grilli falters.

"I love the fact that Mark's been battle tested," Hurdle said. "He's had some good opportunities, including some that have not worked out well. He's dealt with adversity. Those have become strengths for him. He is in a good place, personally and professionally. He's taking care of today and what opportunities he has today. Who knows what the rest of this season will provide?"

Melancon had 20 saves in 2011 for the Astros, but just one in each of the last two seasons. 

Melancon, who entered the game with 16 holds, earned his first save despite allowing the winning run to reach base with one out. But two pop flies to second base to end the threat and the game.

Melancon allowed a hit and struck out one batter, who reached based on a wild pitch. He needed 22 pitches to finish the save.

Melancon has an 0.72 ERA in 25 appearances, with 26 strikeouts and a walk in 25 innings.

"I learned more about my delivery and about pitching in general in a month of spring training than I have my whole pro career," Melancon said.

The right-hander is coming off a campaign in which he posted a 6.20 ERA in 41 appearances for the Red Sox.

"He brought awareness to some of the things in my delivery which, honestly, I haven't really yet changed," Melancon said of Benedict. "It's a work in progress, and I'm just glad I'm aware of it, so in the long run I can deal with it and be that much better."

Melancon has been sharp all spring, as the outing lowered his ERA to a crisp 1.64 in 11 innings. He's allowed just eight hits with eight strikeouts against five walks. If Jason Grilli falters in the closer role this year, expect Melancon to be his successor.