Chase Burns allowed four hits and two runs with three walks and a career-high 10 strikeouts over six innings in a no-decision against the Rockies on Friday.
This is what it was supposed to look like from Burns. A home run by Ryan McMahon was literally the only blemish on his line here. Up until that blast, he’d struck out six batters through three innings with 11 swings-and-misses on his ledger. Then, he walked the lead-off batter in the fourth inning and McMahon socked a hanging curveball – one of only two curves he threw all game – out of the park. After that, Burns retired nine of the last 10 batters he faced. Ryan Ritter was the only one to reach base and it was on a measly infield single. Burns’ fastball was dominant in the zone and he had pinpoint command of his slider on the outer half against right-handed batters. Of course, this was against the Rockies, but it was still nice to see Burns flash his dominance and complete six innings for the first time as a big leaguer as he gears up for a huge second half.