Gerrit Cole fires first MLB complete game thanks to fancy defense
In his third start off the disabled list, Pittsburgh Pirates ace Gerrit Cole looked like he’s ready to roll. The 25-year-old right-hander went the distance in a 10-1 win against the Seattle Mariners, which marked his first career complete game at the major-league level.
Cole needed just 93 pitches to record his 27 outs. He allowed one earned run on three hits while walking none and striking out six. Needless to say, it was a true gem. However, he did require some assistance from his defense, which stepped all night and provided some fancy outs at key times.
One of those even involved Cole. Though not exactly smooth from the start, first baseman David Freese managed to turn a bobble into one of the most aesthetically pleasing plays of the season as he went behind-the-back to Cole’s barehand to retire Nori Aoki.
Easy stuff. pic.twitter.com/u9wO6Wpgg8
— Pirates (@Pirates) July 28, 2016
Try watching this creative play again without getting “Sweet Georgia Brown,” the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters theme song, stuck in your head.
It’s impossible.
Not even the dive-bombing pigeon could throw them off their game as they completed the 3-1 putout.
The great plays weren’t limited to the field of play. Check out this great grab by a Pirates’ fan.
Fans too…
We see ya down there! https://t.co/eSjsYDc0xP pic.twitter.com/V6WFrhUEjP
— Pirates (@Pirates) July 28, 2016
Of course, we’re concerned about the Pirates, so check this out from Josh Harrison.
Hang with ‘em. https://t.co/Dvw96HXfR1 pic.twitter.com/aPC4x38Djl
— MLB GIFS (@MLBGIFs) July 27, 2016
And this beauty from Jung-Ho Kang at the hot corner.
#TheKangShow now playing at the Hot Corner.https://t.co/e89l85jNgy pic.twitter.com/mnYIVvaSBm
— Pirates (@Pirates) July 28, 2016
Needless to say, Cole had the full support of his teammates as they put 10 runs on the board and did all they could to keep Seattle off the scoreboard. It was a complete game in every sense of the term.
More MLB coverage from Yahoo Sports:
– – – – – – –
Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter!
