Aug. 21, 2000
Breaking down the Big Z's first start of 2000
OK, Dodger fans, Andrew Zarzour didn’t get the win last night in his first game with the Big Club this season. But there was a lot to like from the 7-footer in the 3-1 loss to the Pirates. In today’s blog, we break down the Big Z and his debut performance:
Let’s start with the basics, his pitching line:
8.0 IP, 9 hits allowed, 3 runs, 1 earned run, 8 Ks, 1 walk, 1 HR … Of his 96 pitches, he threw 55 for strikes. Oh, and 0-for-2 from the plate.
Like we said, not bad. The game basically turned on one sequence in the third inning. Paul Lo Duca bobbled a sure out from his first base spot, allowing Andres Galarraga to get on to start the frame (part of what you sacrifice to have Paulie and Piazza on the field at the same time). Z then gave up an RBI double to Tony Womack. Brady Anderson then went long later in the inning. LA never could get out of the 2-0 hole.
Zarzour was gritty the rest of the way but got almost no help from his offense (much like his time in Albuquerque). Los Angeles managed just three hits all night.
Probably the only other bad pitch Zarzour threw came against pitching comrade Jon Lieber to lead off the sixth. Lieber (who was masterful from the mound himself) got aboard and eventually came home on a fielder’s choice.
Zarzour had three strikeouts in the sixth. The Dodgers turned three double plays with Z on the mound. Zarzour finally got lifted in the bottom of the eighth, with ironically, his good buddy from North Carolina, Josh Hamilton, pinch-hitting for him. Hamilton nearly tied the game up, but a deep shot to left field – that would have been a two-run homer – was caught at the warning track. That would have been something for one 19-year-old from NC to get another 19-year-old off the hook for the loss.
Bottom line: We liked Zarzour’s first effort a lot. He did give up a homer, and that will be something to watch. Scouts who watched him a lot in Albuquerque said he would strike out 10 or 15 a game but give then up two homers. So hold onto your hats. It could be a roller coaster of emotions when he's on the hill. It won’t be boring, that’s for sure.
If the Dodgers run him back out there in five days – and we don’t see why they won’t – he’ll be going up against the San Francisco Giants in what should be a pivotal game to the playoff drive...
One other interesting note from last night: Both managers got tossed from the game at different times. You don't see that happen much... Also, Hideo Nomo pitched 7 shutout innings and got the win in his first start for Triple A Albuquerque, proving that he is where he should be right now...
Tomorrow: we'll answer the burning question of whether Dodger Dogs are as good as they used to be ...