As baseball fans, we always want to see fresh talent emerge and make an impact on the field. That’s why J.P. France’s recent performance for the Houston Astros is worth talking about. After a successful Major League debut, France took the mound for his second start and was equally impressive, showcasing his skills as a dominant pitcher.
France’s first start showed some nerves and pressure as he loaded the bases in the first inning, but he quickly got the hang of it, throwing five scoreless innings. His second start was even better, with France pitching 6 2/3 innings of one-run ball. Even though his scoreless streak was broken, France remained focused and ended up retiring seven straight batters. Throughout his two starts, he’s allowed just one run in a total of 11 2/3 innings of work – a 0.77 ERA.
This impressive feat is especially significant for the Astros as they’ve suffered early season injuries to two key pitchers. Without Jose Urquidy and Luis Garcia, Houston needed strong replacements in their rotation. J.P. France seems to be the answer to their prayers. The 28-year-old has leaned on his fastball and cutter, mixing in his slider, curveball, and changeup. His arsenal has allowed him to stay within himself, sticking to his game plan, and executing quality pitches.
It’s always exciting to see a young talent like France emerge and make an impact in the Major Leagues. With his recent performance, the Astros’ rotation has received the much-needed boost it needed to stay competitive and make a run this season. Keep an eye out for this rising star; if he continues pitching this well, there’s no doubt he’ll become an important asset for the Houston Astros.
Source: www.mlb.com