Julio Uría improves in first home game of the season with LA Dodgers
The Mexican pitcher made his second start of the 2022 MLB regular season and led the Dodgers to a 5-2 victory over Reds.
Julio Urías has the potential to become one of the most dominant pitches in Major League Baseball, but he had a horrible first start in Colorado last week. The Mexican pitcher bounced back on Saturday night in his first home game of the campaign at Dodger Stadium in a 5-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. Urías ended up striking out five batters and allowed one hit over five scoreless innings to help the Dodgers win their fifth consecutive game of the season after starting the season 1-2. After the game the Mexican pitcher was interviewed by AS USA and talked about the improvement from one game to another.
Happy with fans’ reception in home opener
“I felt good and I have to start playing better. As long as I am healthy everything will be fine and today [against Cincinnati] I had to make some adjustments with my mechanics from my first game in Colorado and that gives me confidence to keep improving,” said Julio Urías.
The Mexican pitcher lacked speed in his first appearance, but he was able to improve the velocity of his throws on Saturday night. Julio Urías ranged from 91.5 to 93.1 mph in his first inning and the velocity stayed around 92 mph in the next four innings, leaving room for improvement.
“It was all around really good,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts after the game. “I think even in the next start, you’ll see a tick up in the velocity, too. Velocity is certainly important, but just the way he sequenced and commanded the baseball was really good.”
Last season the 25-year-old won 20 games and was considered included in the voting to win the Cy Young. So the expectations of Julio Urías are high this year and he is slotted third in the pitching rotation of the Los Angeles Dodgers, above Clayton Kershaw.
“There is no pressure because last season was a dream for me and I hope I can repeat that this year,” said Urías. “Clayton Kershaw is a historic pitcher that has won it all and just by looking at his work ethic helps me improve my game. So as a young player I learned that I have to work hard every day.”
Julio Urías on playing alongside Freddie Freeman
During the interview with AS USA, Julio Urías seemed relieved to be playing alongside Freddie Freeman because he gave up three home runs last season when the Dodgers played against the Atlanta Braves. “I am glad Freeman is here because he has unbelievable talent. I suffered playing against him last year, even gave up three home runs, so I am happy for Freeman to be with us.”