Pirates @ Diamondbacks Recap: Cole Shuts Down Arizona

Apr 24, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher

(45) leaves the game in the eighth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Game Recap:

The Arizona Diamondbacks drop the first game of the series against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday night, 4-1.

Pirates’ starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (3-0) was strong on the mound. Cole scattered 7 hits over 7 2/3 innings of work, while allowing 1 run. He also had 7 strikeouts and only 1 walk.

The lone Diamondbacks run came in the 6th inning on a Chris Owings single that scored Paul Goldschmidt from second base on a close play at the plate.

Josh Collmenter (1-3) started off shakey, giving all 3 of his runs in the first 2 innings.

The Pirates got on the board in the first inning off a Neil Walker single, scoring Gregory Polanco.

In the 2nd inning, Pirates’ third baseman Josh Harrison hit a 2-run double to centerfield. Jordy Mercer and Gerrit Cole scored on the play.

Collmenter would settle down after the 2nd inning, retiring the next 12 batters he faced. He finished with 6 innings of work, allowing 3 earned runs on 6 hits with 3 strikeouts and no walks.

Unfortunately, the damage had already been done. Arizona was never able to get anything going on offense.

The Pirates scored an additional run in the 8th inning, when Neil Walker hit a double and scored Andrew McCutchen.

Mark Melancon pitched a hitless 9th for his 4th save.

Thoughts and Observations:

Josh Collmenter’s performance was impressive. He could have easily shut down after the first two innings, but he dug deep and pitched great the rest of the way. Keeping it together when it feels like the wheels are about to fall off is a character attribute you want in your pitching staff.

Can we get some consistency out of the bullpen? Are we getting to the point where we should expect at least one more run from the opposing team as soon as the starter gets pulled?

Post Game Grades:

Next Up:

The Diamondbacks play Pittsburgh in the second of their three game series at Chase Field. Rubby De La Rosa faces A.J. Burnett at 5:10