The Los Angeles Dodgers received another quality start from Kenta Maeda on Saturday, with the Japanese native defying the odds against the Colorado Rockies at hitter-friendly Coors Field.
Maeda quickly adjusted to the high altitude, relying on his fastball more than he previously had, while spinning enough sliders with break to keep hitters off balance. He carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning and exited after 6.1 shutout frames with a career-high eight strikeouts.
Maeda’s no-hit bid was preserved in the fifth inning by Kiké Hernandez, who made an over-the-shoulder catch in left-center field for the third out.
A.J. Ellis was behind the plate to catch Maeda a third time in four starts this season. After the impressive outing, Ellis praised the right-hander for the success he had despite the various factors Maeda faced, via J.P. Hoornstra of the LA Daily News:
“First time in this environment. First time pitching at Coors Field. First time against that offensive firepower they have over there,” Dodgers catcher A.J. Ellis said. “I can’t say enough about what Kenta was able to do tonight. It was beyond impressive.”
Through four starts this season, Maeda has allowed just one run in 25.1 innings pitched. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Maeda is just the third pitcher since 1900 to throw at least 25 innings through four starts in the Majors while allowing no more than one run.
Fernando Valenzuela allowed one run in 36 innings through four starts in 1981, and George McQuillan allowed just one run in 33 innings over four starts in 1907. What’s more, Maeda lowered his ERA to 0.36, which is best in the National League.
He trails only Detroit Tigers’ righty Jordan Zimmermann, who’s thrown 19.1 scoreless innings over three starts, for the Major League lead.
