It looks like Pirates pitcher Gerrit Cole is finding his groove at exactly the right time.
With Pirates hoping to begin a long journey deep into October in this year’s MLB playoffs, Cole will be expected to play a big role in that happening. If this week’s performance by the young fireballer is any indication of what lies ahead, the Pirates could be a dangerous team capable of challenging for the National League pennant.
In his two starts this week, Cole pitched 14 total innings, recording 20 strikeouts, allowing eight hits and a mere three earned runs. Cole was able to get his 11th win of the season this past Tuesday against the Braves and was even more impressive in his no decision yesterday against the Cincinnati Reds, where he struck out a season-high 12 batters over seven innings.
The decision by Clint Hurdle to start Cole yesterday could certainly be questioned, but the Pirates will go with Edinson Volquez in a must-win contest in Wednesday night’s Wild Card game at PNC Park. If Volquez and company can get the job done, they will have a potentially dominant pitcher fresh and ready to go against the Washington Nationals in the NLDS.
