The Los Angeles Dodgers earned a 5-3 comeback win over the Colorado Rockies on the Fourth of July, which was made possible by Julio Urías turning in another quality start.
In what started out as a pitchers’ duel, the Rockies got on the scoreboard first when José Iglesias led off the fifth inning with a home run off Urías.
However, the Dodgers responded in the bottom half of the frame with a four-spot, highlighted by Trayce Thompson’s three-run blast and Mookie Betts’ RBI single.
That was all the support Urías needed, who allowed just the one run on five hits in six innings of work.
“I think the focus is heightened, especially in those moments we’re not scoring runs and doing what we’re supposed to do,” the left-hander said of not getting as much run support this season.
“I think focusing on pitch to pitch gives me a chance to challenge myself too and gives me an opportunity to go into those outings and try to have clean innings. But also knowing that our offense can put up runs at any moment.”
Despite giving up just the one run, Urías dealt with some traffic on the basepaths throughout his start.
“Just staying tough. Mentally just staying tough, going out there and trying to make my pitches,” he said of being able to pitch through the traffic.
“I was a little frustrated fighting through my mechanics and to find a little bit of a rhythm, but felt good overall. It was one of those things where I kind of had to get into a zone or rhythm, and I think I did that.”
Urias hoping to earn All-Star Game selection
With the MLB All-Star Game two weeks away, Urías will have one more start to make his case for his first career selection.
“It’s just another start and I’ve got to take it as one more start,” he began. “Obviously we’re approaching the All-Star Game and it’s very important and would mean a lot, but at the same time, I’ve got to focus on making that next start and doing the job that I can.
“I can’t worry myself too much on what might happen or if I get selected. I think I’ve just got to control what I can control, go out there and do the best I can in my next start.”
After leading MLB with 20 wins last season, Urias has continued pitching at a high level for the Dodgers, going 7-6 with a 2.57 ERA, 3.93 FIP and 1.03 WHIP in 16 starts.
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