The Los Angeles Dodgers extended their winning streak to season-high seven games with a 4-1 win over the Colorado Rockies on Saturday, backed by a strong start from Tony Gonsolin.
The right-hander gave up a home run to Ezequiel Tovar on the first pitch of the game but quickly bounced back to retire the next three batters.
Gonsolin carried that momentum through six innings with just the one run allowed. He yielded three hits and collected six strikeouts without walking a batter.
“I was just trying to execute pitches,” Gonsolin explained after the game. “I thought I did a much better job of executing pitches and the guys played really good defense.”
Gonsolin entered the night having allowed at least four runs in seven of his last nine starts. However, he has stayed true to the process and believes preparation in between outings is finally paying off.
“Just really focused on execution,” Gonsolin reiterated. “I would say the last couple times I’ve thrown really good bullpens, and I think finally it translated.”
When asked what made him so effective against the Rockies, Gonsolin cited recent adjustments he made to his delivery. “I feel like the delivery was a lot better,” he began.
“It was a lot more consistent and an adjustment I made a couple bullpens ago throwing out of the stretch, and I think I’m able to repeat pitches and the throw more often.”
Tony Gonsolin understands he needs to improve
In the midst of his struggles, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged Gonsolin needed to improve in order to remain in the rotation moving forward. “I couldn’t agree more, but overall just trying to go out there and execute,” Gonsolin said.
The 29-year-old thinks his start against the Rockies was a step in the right direction. “Definitely a step forward. We’re just going to keep building off of it,” Gonsolin said.
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