Vincent Velasquez Absolutely Dazzles in Just Second Start with Phillies
Vincent Velasquez reacts after striking out Wil Myers to end the Phillies 3-0 victory over the Padres on Thursday, April 14, 2016, in Philadelphia.
In just his second start with the Phillies, Vincent Velasquez turned in one of the best pitching performances in team history.
Velasquez pitched a complete game shutout, allowing just three hits and striking out 16. He did not walk a batter; only one reached scoring position all game.
The Phillies won, 3-0, backed by a Ryan Howard home run and a sacrifice fly. Andres Blanco also scored on a wild pitch in the 7th.
Velasquez is just 23, and was making his ninth career major league start. He was acquired from the Astros in the Ken Giles trade over the winter. He has 25 strikeouts and a 0.00 ERA through two starts.
Vincent Velasquez is the first Phillies pitcher with at least 14 strikeouts in a game since Cliff Lee in 2013
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) April 14, 2016
Most recent 16+ K & 0 BB CG SHO
April 15, 2016: Vincent Velasquez
Oct 3, 2015: Scherzer
Aug 28, 1998: Randy Johmson
Aug 25, 1998: Clemens— Ryan M. Spaeder (@theaceofspaeder) April 14, 2016
Update: VV got 20 swinging strikes on the four-seamer. Last guy to do that: I literally can't find one.
— Mike Petriello (@mike_petriello) April 14, 2016
The Phillies are now 5-5, and won their second series of the season after getting swept by the Reds out of the gate. It’s mostly due to pitching.
If my math is correct, Phillies starting pitching:
10 Games
63 Innings Pitched
39 Hits
2.14 ERA
12 Walks
75 Strikeouts— Matt Winkelman (@Matt_Winkelman) April 14, 2016
Yes, the Phillies have not yet played many good-hitting teams, but it’s fun to enjoy it anyway. They take on the Nationals tomorrow night at Citizens Bank Park.
Follow @dhm on Twitter.
