Five things we learned from Phillies series win over Rockies

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – JUNE 14: Vince Velasquez #28 of the Philadelphia Phillies acknowledges the crowd after coming out of the game in the seventh inning against the Colorado Rockies at Citizens Bank Park on June 14, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images) /

Vince Velasquez continues to be streaky

There is no pitcher on the Phillies more maddingly inconsistent than Vince Velasquez. His ERA has been a roller coaster this season, starting at 13.50 while falling as low as 3.52. His last start was one of, if not the worst of his career, giving up a career-high 10 runs to the Brewers last Friday.

In true Velasquez fashion, he followed up a horrific start with a gem. He carried a no-hitter through the seventh inning before finishing Thursday’s game with two runs allowed in 6.2 innings. Velasquez gave up just one hit and walked two before handing the ball off to Tommy Hunter. Velasquez’s performance was more than enough as the team cruised to a 9-3 win in the rubber match.

Velasquez’s start on Thursday was another example of just how good he can be. His ERA now sits at 4.74 with a fielding-independent pitching of 3.54. He now has 10.82 strikeouts and 3.16 walks per nine innings. His numbers are good and certainly better than his disappointing 2017 season. How well his season turns out depends on how streaky Velasquez remains. If he can limit the duds while continuing to spin gems, it will easily be the best season of his career.

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