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Newest Ray is thinking ahead

Nick Bierbrodt focuses on first-pitch strikes in impressive debut Saturday.

By MARC TOPKIN

© St. Petersburg Times,
published July 30, 2001

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Nick Bierbrodt wanted to put first things first Saturday night.

In preparing for his first start with the Rays, the 23-year-old left-hander emphasized throwing first-pitch strikes and getting ahead in the count.

"On my last day in Phoenix, (Arizona pitching coach) Bob Welch and I talked about first-place strikes," Bierbrodt said. "He gave me an article and I kept that and read it (Saturday) and kept myself focused on trying to get ahead. I didn't really do it that great, but that's what I kept telling myself, to keep pumping in first-pitch strikes."

Technically, Bierbrodt did only a so-so job: first-pitch strikes to 12 of his 24 batters.

But overall, things turned out great: one run, four hits and five strikeouts over six solid innings in a game the Rays went on to win 7-3 in 10 innings.

"He had good stuff," catcher Toby Hall said. "He kept everybody off balance. He wasn't afraid to pitch inside. He threw some good sliders. He got ahead a lot, and did a lot of that with changeups. He set some guys up pretty good."

Manager Hal McRae was impressed as well, so much so that he eliminated any question about the plans for Bierbrodt.

"We plan on keeping him in the rotation," McRae said. "We traded for him, so we're going to give him every opportunity. I'd say he'd have to pitch himself out of the rotation. Why trade for him if you're not going to pitch him?"

Bierbrodt should have had the victory. The Rays led 3-1 going to the ninth, but Esteban Yan blew it, with two errors by rightfielder Randy Winn factoring in.

The Rays came back strong in the 10th. Pinch-hitter Russ Johnson drew a walk, went first-to-third on a single by Chris Gomez and scored what turned out to be the winning run on a single by rookie Hall.

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