Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tony Gonsolin had an impressive outing in a 4-1 victory over the Colorado Rockies, solidifying his bid for a spot in the team’s rotation. Gonsolin’s performance on the mound was crucial, especially considering his uncertain position in the rotation prior to the game.
Despite giving up a home run on his first pitch, Gonsolin bounced back and pitched masterfully for the rest of the night. He did not allow any more runs and only surrendered two hits while striking out six batters and issuing no walks over six innings. This stellar performance helped the Dodgers secure their seventh consecutive win and extended their lead in the National League West to 8½ games over the San Francisco Giants.
The Dodgers’ offense also played a part in the victory, with Will Smith hitting a solo home run in the first inning, James Outman adding a two-run homer in the second, and Amed Rosario contributing with a solo shot in the seventh. The team’s relievers, Ryan Brasier, Brusdar Graterol, and Evan Phillips, closed out the game with scoreless innings, with Phillips striking out the side in the ninth to earn his 17th save of the season.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised Gonsolin’s performance, describing it as his best outing in quite some time. Roberts highlighted Gonsolin’s conviction on every throw, his good command of his fastball, and his ability to make pitches when needed. The manager emphasized that Gonsolin understands the expectations placed upon him and acknowledged that he surpassed them in this game.
While it’s important to note that the Rockies have struggled offensively this season, Gonsolin’s outing was a marked improvement compared to his previous starts. He showed resilience by striking out two batters after the early home run, retiring the side in order in multiple innings, and handling a potential scoring threat in the fourth inning.
Although Gonsolin’s average four-seam fastball velocity was slightly down, he effectively utilized his split-fingered fastball and slider to complement his fastball. His splitter was especially effective, generating six of his 14 swinging strikes. Gonsolin also received support from James Outman, who made an impressive catch at the wall to prevent a potential Rockies run in the sixth inning, preserving the Dodgers’ lead.
In conclusion, Tony Gonsolin’s exceptional performance against the Rockies boosted his chances of securing a regular spot in the Dodgers’ rotation. With the team’s winning streak extended and their division lead extended, Gonsolin’s outing was a crucial contribution to their continued success. The Dodgers’ coaching staff and fans can now have increased confidence in Gonsolin’s abilities as they look towards the postseason.
