Anderson has a hand in run of solid outings T
Over their past eight games, Rockies’ starters have posted a 1.68 ERA
he last time Tyler Anderson pitched he was light-headed, short of breath and a little bit scared. That was Friday in Miami, when he departed in the second inning of the Rockies’ 1-0 victory over the Marlins.
Wednesday afternoon at Wrigley Field, the 28-year-old left-hander pitched one of the best games of his career as the Rockies routed the Cubs 11-2 to take the three-game series.
“As soon as I came out of that game in Miami, and as soon was we found out that nothing was wrong, I kind of turned the page and forgot that it ever happened,” he said. “It wasn’t like ‘revenge,’ or trying to get back out there. It was just going back to my routine and doing my thing.”
Anderson did almost everything right Wednesday, as Colorado starters continue to make the strides the club must see if it is going to be a playoff contender. Over their past eight games, Rockies’ starters have posted a 1.68 ERA.
Yes, Anderson gave up two solo home
runs, one to Anthony Rizzo in the fourth inning and one to Kris Bryant in the sixth, but on a day when the wind was blowing out, those were minor sins, easily forgiven.
“Tyler was crisp from the getgo,” manager Bud Black said. “It was arguably one of the better games that I have seen him throw over the last two years. I thought all of his pitches were working, We talked about the tempo that he needs to pitch at — and he did it.
“He was throwing strikes with the fastball, the cutter was outstanding; good use of the change and mixing in the curveball. He pitched. He was crisp, man, and it was great to watch.”
Anderson’s seven innings were a season high, as were his nine strikeouts. He gave up a mere three hits while coaxing nine groundball outs, something that came in handy on a day when the Windy City lived up to its name.
“I felt like today we did a better job of attacking the zone and getting contact when we needed it,” said Anderson. “It was good to be able to keep the ball on the ground today, because it seemed there was a homer every time the ball got in the air.”
That’s an exaggeration, of course, but not much of one. The Rockies hit four homers, two by Nolan Arenado and one by Trevor Story and Chris Iannetta. All told, the Rockies cranked out 15 hits, giving Anderson a four-run cushion after four Colorado atbats.
“Absolutely that helped,” Anderson said. “Honestly, they did all the work. For those guys to go out and put up a lead like that, it makes it easier for us to go out there and throw up zeroes. And it makes (the Cubs’) offense more aggressive. They are already aggressive, and when they are down by three or four (runs) it makes it easier to pitch.”
Arenado, however, tipped his cap to the guys on the mound.
“Our starting pitching lately has really kind of carried us,” said Arenado, who drove in five runs. “Obviously today, offensively, we did what we are capable of. But the starters have done a really good job and given us a chance.”
Anderson walked only one batter, continuing a recent trend that’s left Black with a smile on his face.
“I’m very pleased,” Black said. “Maybe it’s coincided with the weather warming up a little bit. That might have something to do with it. Maybe they’re are just getting their footing. But this last seven or eight games have been really solid, and to pitch here, the way we did, with the wind blowing out, really showed how well these guys have pitched. That was impressive.”