Shane Baz allowed three hits and two runs with one walk and nine strikeouts in a rare eight-inning complete game in a tough-luck loss against the Rangers on Friday.
This was one of the best starts of Baz’s career. He cruised through the first five innings facing just one batter over the minimum with zero walks and eight strikeouts. Then, Elias Díaz reached on an infield single to start the sixth inning and Joc Pederson made Baz pay for a first-pitch cutter at the letters that he sent out for a long two-run home run. That was the only mistake Baz made as his fastball and changeup stymied the Rangers’ left handed batters while his fastball, cutter, and knuckle-curve decimated the righties. Starts like this make for us to recognize his still ridiculous talent. Don’t look now, but Baz has a 2.93 ERA in 15 starts since May 15th with 82 strikeouts and 27 walks across 92 innings. He’s scheduled to face the Twins next time out.
