In baseball, it is tough to win ballgames without quality starting pitching. So it is no surprise that the biggest key to the Rockies overall success so far this season has been based on how effective their starting pitching is.
Having the lead late in games is detrimental to success as the Rockies are 16-1 when ahead after seven innings and 0-13 when trailing after seven frames. Cory Sullivan of AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain joined Gil Whiteley and Mark Jackson of Mile High Sports AM 1340 | FM 104.7 to discuss what is working for the Rockies starting pitchers.
“I think what is unique about these guys is their mindset, once Jeff Bridich took the helm, they really focused on the moment they got their hands on these kids, they didn’t approach Coors Field like it was some beast you had to slay, it was more about creating a mindset of, I don’t care, I can pitch anywhere,” Sullivan said. The pitching from guys like Chad Bettis, Tyler Anderson, and Kyle Freeland have, at times, covered up some of the lack of offense.
The large number of quality starts from the starting pitching core has taken some of the pressure off the offense to score runs. After the series in Miami where the Rockies scored only two runs in three games, the Rockies have given their pitching staff more run support, scoring 16 runs in the series win against the Cubs and 13 runs in the series sweep against the Mets.
“I think the pitching staff has seen their opportunity of, listen, we can still control this, we can still win games if we go out there and give us a chance to win by getting deep in the game,” Sullivan said. He also noted how the strength of the back end of the bullpen gives the starters confidence that if they can just get through 6 or 7 innings with the Rockies having a slight lead, they are most likely going to win the game.
Arguably the most important piece to the Rockies rotation is Jon Gray, who despite his slow start to the season, has rebounded and pitched well in his last couple starts. Sullivan said, “When he is able to locate (his fastball) on both sides of the plate, it opens up the opportunity for his slider.” In April, Gray’s slider was not at its best, so Gray started implementing his curveball. His last start at Wrigley Field against the Cubs, Gray’s slider was as good as it has been all season.
The Rockies begin a six-game home stand tomorrow night against the Los Angeles Angels where they will face a challenge going up against hitters like Mike Trout, Albert Pujols, and Andrelton Simmons.
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Catch Anything’s Possible with Gil Whitely and Mark Jackson every weekday from 11a-1p on Mile High Sports AM 1340 | FM 104.7 or stream live for the best local coverage of Colorado sports from Denver’s biggest sports talk lineup. Download the all-new free Mile High Sports Radio mobile app for Apple or Android.