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Rays Right-Hander Sets Career High in Strikeouts at Coors Field

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Keith Brunner Jr | Last updated 4/8/24

The Colorado Rockies lost their second straight game on top of losing their weekend series to the Tampa Bay Rays. But it turned out to be a fantastic Sunday for Rays right-hander Ryan Pepiot, who pitched an absolute gem in six innings of action. Pepiot looked comfortable after his first start against the Texas Rangers as he put a career-best 11 strikeouts without a walk. He only allowed three hits over six scoreless innings and there were 38 of his first 51 pitchers for strikes. Colorado nearly spoiled Pepiot’s outing with a rally in the eighth against reliever Phil Maton.

Ryan Pepiot Puts on a Clinic at Coors Field

Pepiot becomes the first opponent at Coors Field to have a scoreless outing with zero walks and more than 10 strikeouts. The only other instances done by a Rockies pitcher were Jon Gray who did it on September 17, 2016, and Germán Márquez who did it back on July 31, 2019.

Ryan Pepiot is the FIRST opponent
at Coors Field to have a scoreless outing with 0 BB and 10+ Ks

The only other instances, done by Rockies pitchers?
Germán Márquez (7/31/2019)
Jon Gray (9/17/2016)

— Jason Catania (@JayCat11) April 7, 2024

The Rockies only put nine balls in play against Pepiot. His slider and changeup were on point, as Ezequiel Tovar struck out three times with a walk while first baseman Michael Toglia struck out three times with a walk. Third baseman Ryan McMahon struck out twice in the loss, while seven other Rockies batters struck out at least once. But in the eighth inning against Maton, Jake Cave tripled, Elias Díaz singled and Maton walked the next two batters to load the bases with no out. The Rockies weren’t able to muster out any runs when they grounded out with a fielder’s choice and Kris Bryant hit into an inning-ending double play.

What’s Next for the Rockies?

Colorado needs to find their confidence and a winning attitude. They’ll begin the week with their second series Arizona Diamondbacks in less than two weeks. Early signs of a horrific season-opening road trip might be a sign the Rockies might not be good again this year. Hopefully, they can bounce back and win some games this week.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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