6 years agoBoston Red Sox starting pitcher Rick Porcello lasted 6 2/3 innings, allowing two runs, on five hits, while striking out six, and walking none in a 4-3 win over Texas Wednesday. A two-run first inning for the Rangers looked like a doomed start in the making for Porcello, but he settled down to retire 15 straight hitters. It was easily Porcello's best start since May 22, when he threw six innings of one-run ball with only strikeouts. While the 30-year-old didn't earn a win, he certainly pitched better than his previous three outings when he allowed 12 runs over 17 1/3 innings. He wasn't filthy Wednesday, generating just six swinging strikes, but he certainly was efficient, throwing 67 strikes in 101 pitches. For the year, he is 4-6, with a 4.69 ERA and a 66/24 K/BB, and it's backed up by a 4.41 FIP. From what we've seen, these solid outings will be sprinkled in between some real clunkers, making Porcello a lower-level matchup based starter, a far cry from his 2016 Cy Young form.--Steve Janik - RotoBaller
Source: MLB.com