The Los Angeles Dodgers earned a second consecutive win over the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday, led by a solid effort from Ryan Pepiot, who was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City prior to first pitch.
The right-hander shined in his fourth career start, picking up his first career win while throwing five innings and striking out six; both marks set a new career-high for him. He also gave up just one run and held the Rockies to one walk.
“Definitely just each time I’ve been out there, a little more comfortable each time,” Pepiot said after the Dodgers’ 5-2 win. “And then today just really kind of put the pieces together.
“Going out there home game, night game, it’s a lot of fun, a lot of adrenaline, but being able to just go out there and get strike one a lot was very beneficial.”
Pepiot fought through nerves in each of his first three MLB starts but felt he was able to better control his emotions against the Rockies. “A lot better,” Pepiot said of managing his adrenaline.
“It’s definitely exciting, but I know I have a job to do, going out there and executing pitches is what I need to do.”
After a solid outing against the Rockies, Pepiot improved to 1-0 with a 2.76 ERA, 4.16 FIP and 1.35 WHIP in 16.1 innings pitched.
In 12 games for the OKC Dodgers (11 starts), the 24-year-old has posted a perfect 6-0 record, 1.94 ERA and 1.08 WHIP with 76 strikeouts against 25 walks over 55.2 frames.
Roberts: Pepiot had nerves ‘under control’
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts agreed with the sentiment that Pepiot was more composed in his start against the Rockies. “I think tonight was just one of those things that I think he had his nerves under control,” Roberts began.
“And I think that’s kind of the progression for a young player, pitcher in particular. You know, the adrenaline has already built-in. And so I thought tonight, he really handled his emotions well, he pounded the strike zone.
“And you know, when he’s good, he can command that glove side. And I thought that slider-cutter thing he throws out there was pretty good, but it was all about the fastball tonight.
“The fastball glove side to the righties, and then now have the ability to use the changeup. So to get him through five innings I think was a big win for all of us.”
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