Editorials

Brett Anderson Credits Slider For Success, ‘Blacked Out’ On RBI Double




Please enable Javascript to watch this video

Coming off a complete-game win in a rain-shortened game against the Colorado Rockies last week, Brett Anderson was back on the mound to face his former team under the same gloomy weather despite the scene shifting to Los Angeles the second time around.

Anderson allowed two runs and had a season-high eight strikeouts over 5.1 innings before the game entered a one-hour and 25-minute rain delay. As per custom with a delay of that length, Anderson gave way to the Dodgers bullpen once play resumed at 10:20 p.m. PT.

Had weather not been a factor in Anderson’s two most recent starts, he may have a strung along a streak of three consecutive outings with at least six innings pitched. The 27-year-old left-hander said he wasn’t certain how many more innings he could’ve pitched without the delay, but felt strong and credited his success to a strong slider.

“I felt good,” Anderson said. “I don’t know how many pitches I threw, I think it was more than last time. I felt my breaking ball was the most consistent it’s been, and I was able to get some ground balls and make some pitches. It’s another step in the right direction and hopefully I can get back there and get into some decent weather.”

Anderson also added he began to battle grip issues in the sixth inning as rain picked up. He’s developed a blister, but said it won’t affect his next scheduled start. As for Anderson’s RBI double in the second inning, he had little explanation and revealed a major concern of his.

“I just closed my eyes and blacked out,” Anderson joked. “I knew I hit it pretty good and I was just trying not to get thrown out at second. That was my main goal, to get somewhere safe. My biggest fear in life is baserunning at this point, they need the softball re-entry rule for me when I’m out there running.”

Now a 3-for-27 career hitter, Anderson concluded his thoughts on the at-bat saying, “I have three career hits and they’re all doubles, so I guess I’m an extra-base hits guy.” While the Dodgers certainly will take any unexpected offensive production from their pitchers, their main concern lies with their results on the mound.

For a starting rotation that’s been significantly impacted by injuries to Brandon McCarthy and Hyun-Jin Ryu, Anderson appears to have settled in after a shaky four starts in April.

[divide]

Don Mattingly Discusses Bullpen And Kenley Jansen’s Return


Please enable Javascript to watch this video

Staff Writer

Staff Writer features content written by our site editors along with our staff of contributing writers. Thank you for your readership.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button