Dodgers pitcher shelled by former catcher
Piazza gets two hits (including HR) against Zarzour
April 19, 2002
The first time Andrew Zarzour ever pitched in the Big Leagues, his catcher -- Mike Piazza -- smashed a three-run homer in the bottom of the first to calm him down. Big Z went on to get the win.
Last night, Piazza stood in against Zarzour for the first time as an opposing batter -- and went yard on Zarzour in his first trip to the plate.
In what was the worst of three bad outings for Zarzour to start 2002, the Dodgers lost to the Cincinnati Reds 10-4. Piazza’s solo homer with two outs in the top of the first inning sailed nearly 400 feet. Piazza then singled off Zarzour in the second inning as the Reds took command 5-1.
Big Z didn’t last beyond the second frame. He gave up seven earned runs, including two homers. His ERA has now sky-lifted to 15.43. The chatter in the clubhouse is that one more poor performance and Zarzour could be on his way to Las Vegas for a stint in Triple A.
“I just can’t explain it,” Zarzour said after the latest horrific performance. “But I’m not going to get down on myself. There is still a lot of season left and time to get things turned around. If I have to go back to Triple A and rediscover what’s missing, I’ll do that. What hurts most is that we’re losing games. We want to win the World Series this year, and I’m not really helping that cause right now.”
Zarzour’s next scheduled start is April 23 against Colorado.
“Hey, at least the game isn’t going to be played at Coors Field,” Zarzour cracked at himself.