Tyler Pill made his first Major League start last night against the Brewers, and despite allowing many baserunners, he ended up pitching well.
The only run he allowed would come in the first inning, when his second pitch hit Brewers leadoff hitter Keon Broxton. Eric Thames then singled to put runners on first and second with nobody out before Hernan Perez grounded into the 6-4-3 double play. Then, with Broxton at third base, Travis Shaw doubled to score the run. Pill was in jams like this all night, but that was the only one the Brewers were able to capitalize off of.
“I attacked the hitters with all my pitches,” Pill said following the game. “I was able to get out of jams when I needed to.”
Pill pitched 5.1 innings, allowing one earned run on six hits and three walks while striking out four. He was in line for the win until the 7th inning. With bases loaded and the score 4-2, Jerry Blevins induced a pop-up that Asdrubal Cabrera wasn’t able to catch allowing two runs to score. They tied the game and Pill had to settle for a no-decision.
“He lived up to exactly what I heard about him,” manager Terry Collins said. “He doesn’t give in. He doesn’t beat himself. We got to keep the bases on balls down. Those got him into trouble, but when he moves the ball around, changes speeds, I thought he pitched very effective.”
Depending on what happens with Steven Matz and Seth Lugo, who are both believed to have another rehab start each, Pill might have earned at least one more start next time through the rotation.
