Lamb was pitching to contact today, during his six innings of work, rather than the typical pile of strike outs during previous professional baseball appearances. Not the end of the world, but while throwing to contact the defense needs to play catch behind you. Errors allowed 2 of the 3 total runs to cross the plate while Lamb continued to pound the strike zone with 68 percent of his thrown pitches. Lamb also struck out 3, walked 1 and allowed 8 hits during his 79 pitch count performance.
I'm sure if you asked John Lamb he would say it was a bad day, but I beg to differ. Throwing strikes and giving your team a chance to win is all a starting pitcher can really do when he gets the ball every 5 days. You need a little defense and run support to win ball games along with pitchers that throw strikes.
The Frederick Keys starting pitcher, Zagone, did a good job going the distance. However, the cold, aggressive bats of the Blue Rocks hitters enabled the 2008 draft pick to throw his first complete game in a very long time. He recorded his three outs in one of the innings on just five pitches. Need I say more.
I have way to many opinions on the approach at winning ball games to comment, but as a dad I remind myself regularly that minor league baseball is about development and the process of elimination. Most of the minor league professional baseball games I see encompass the lack of patience at the plate.
For now, the Blue Rocks will have the day off tomorrow and start a road trip on Friday. John Lamb will ring the bell for the third time on the road in 6 days with the mentioned day off.
GO BLUE ROCKS!
- - - James Lamb
Baseball Prospect Guide
