Tyler Matzek Dazzles In Major League Debut In Route To Victory

Jun 11, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Tyler Matzek (46) prepares to throw in the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

When the Colorado Rockies drafted left-handed pitcher Tyler Matzek out of high school 11th overall back in the 2009 MLB Draft, they were hoping to get a top of the line pitcher. Five-years later, Matzek made his MLB debut and didn’t disappoint one bit.

Matzek was dealing against the Atlanta Braves and his first inning of work was solid. Matzek got Jason Heyward and B.J. Upton to ground out, following a strikeout on Braves three-hole hitter Freddie Freeman.

Colorado would get on the board quick for their rookie pitcher as Drew Stubbs collected an RBI double to right-center, followed by a Corey Dickerson triple scoring Justin Morneau and Drew Stubbs to take a 3-0 lead in the bottom half of the first. Stubbs would collect a sacrifice fly in the bottom half of the third scoring Tulowitzki to push the lead to 4-0.

In the bottom half of the fifth inning, Troy Tulowitzki laced a single to left scoring Josh Rutledge to push the lead to 5-0, but Tulo would get cut down trying to advance to second. In the sixth inning, Corey Dickerson would continue swinging a hot back. The left fielder smoked a ball into the gap in right-center, scoring Stubbs to take a 6-0 lead.

Troy Tulowitzki and Justin Morneau would collect RBI singles in the bottom half of the eighth as Colorado pushed their lead to eight.

The night was all about Tyler Matzek however as he pitched a wonderful game. He ran into a bit of trouble in the eighth after giving up a lead-off single to Chris Johnson and then other single to Tommy La Stella. Andrelton Simmons would disrupt his shutout as he singled to center scoring Johnson as that signaled the end to his night.

Matzek pitched seven strong innings, giving up just two runs on five hits and didn’t walk a single hitter. Matzek would also collect seven strikeouts, earning his first Major League win.

Notable Rockies Hitters:

• Josh Rutledge: 2-for-3, 3 R.
• Troy Tulowitzki: 3-for-4, RBI.
• Drew Stubbs: 2-for-3, 2 2B, 2 RBI.
• Corey Dickerson: 2-for-4, 2B, 3B, 3 RBI.

Rockies Pitching:

• Tyler Matzek (W, 1-0): 7.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 7 SO. 81 pitches, 60 strikes.
• Franklin Morales: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 SO.
• LaTroy Hawkins: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 SO.

The Colorado Rockies defeated the Atlanta Braves, 8-2. Colorado will be back at it tomorrow afternoon as they take on Atlanta in the final game of a four-game set. The Rockies will send right-hander Jhoulys Chacin (0-4, 5.35 ERA) to the hill as the Braves will counter with Ervin Santana (5-2, 3.69 ERA). First-pitch is scheduled for 3:10 PM ET, 1:10 PM MT.