Rockies rookie Tyler Matzek shines in debut
By Mike Marteny
Colorado Rockies pitcher Tyler Matzek shined in his major league debut against the Atlanta Braves tonight. He went seven innings, giving up two runs on just five hits without walking a batter. He also struck out seven. The Rockies went on to win the game 8-2 to give Matzek the win.
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The 23-year-old Matzek was the 11th pick in the 2009 draft by the Rockies out of Capistrano Valley High School in Mission Viejo, California.
The Rockies jumped on Braves starter Julio Teheran early and often. Matzek had a three run lead before he even took the mound thanks to a two run triple by Charlie Blackmon.
Teheran ended his night giving up ten hits and seven runs in six innings pitched. He also struck out five. Teheran fell to 6-4 with the loss. His ERA ballooned from 1.89 to 2.41 after being knocked around by the Rockies.
Matzek was 5-4 with a 4.05 ERA for the Colorado Springs Sky Sox in the heavy hitting Pacific Coast League. He was called up ahead of top prospect Jon Gray when Jordan Lyles landed on the 15 day disabled list with a broken hand.
Matzek may end up staying on with the Rockies if he keeps turning in solid outings like this one.
Matzek gave up a single to Chris Johnson to open the eighth inning and Johnson advanced to second on a wild pitch. Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons drove in the Braves’ first run with a single.
The Rockies brought in banished starter Franklin Morales, who let one of the inheirited runners score before getting out of the inning.
Matzek will take the mound next against the Dodgers in Los Angeles on Monday.