The Philadelphia Phillies called up Left Handed Pitcher Cole Irvin last week and he is 2-0 in his first two starts in the Big Leagues.
It took a few years, but Cole Irvin has toiled in the Minor Leagues over the last few seasons, working his craft and his pitches. Last week, he had his first start on the road in Kansas City and came away with a win throwing seven innings, and scattering five hits while striking out five. Earlier this week the home fans at Citizens Bank Park saw him up close and personal and they were impressed to say the least.
While making a good impression in the City of Brotherly love is not always easy, Irvin started out his career at home with both his arm and his bat.
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His first plate appearance may be his most memorable of the season. With a keen eye, Irvin worked the opposing pitcher to a 10 pitch walk, garnering the loudest ovation from the crowd that was heard during the game. What followed was leadoff hitter Andrew McCutchen who hit a ball into the seats on a 3-2 count with two outs tying the game at two.
On the mound, Irivin was equally impressive. In the second and third innings, the Philadelphia Defense in the infield nearly lost the game, but Irvin worked his way out of several jams in the 5-4 win. The 18 outs Irvin had in the game were key, and even more impressionable is that 13 of them came on three of fewer pitches.
While he has just two starts in the Majors, he also has two wins in those starts.
Philadelphia went into the season signing some key free agents, but one area they did not address was Pitching in the offseason. Aaron Nola has not had the best start but had his best start of the season on Saturday afternoon in a win over Colorado.
The Phillies wrap up their series with the Rockies on Sunday. The team is in the toughest stretch of the season over the coming weeks. Irvin will likely see his next start on Wednesday on the road against the Chicago Cubs.