DENVER — Five days after Trevor Williams pitched six solid innings and earned a win against the Reds, he aimed to build off that foundation Thursday night against the Colorado Rockies.
Pittsburgh Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said he believed Williams could put together something similar against the Rockies, albeit a Coors Field version of a quality start.
Hurdle, who managed the Rockies from 2002-09, knows different rules apply at Coors Field when it comes to judging a pitcher’s performance.
“A lot of the parameters, six innings, three runs (equals) a quality start — kick that off the table,” Hurdle said. “You can have different numbers here, have a quality start and help your team win a ball game.”
While outlook on performances change, the approach to attacking hitters at a batter-friendly park does not.
“Don’t back off. You can’t pitch carefully, and you can’t pitch to not lose,” Hurdle said. “Pitch to win, execute pitches, go get people out and do the best you can for as long as you can.”
The Pirates lost their prior series against the Rockies (2-1) in late May. This time, the Bucs are in town for a four-game series.
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Frazier, Newman adjusting well
Hurdle wants to see continued success for Adam Frazier and Kevin Newman, who have performed well since changing spots in the lineup.
Frazier is hitting .303 (10-for-33) in 12 games batting seventh. Newman has a .323 average in 51 games batting leadoff. On the year, Newman holds a .302 average, and Frazier is at .266.
“Whatever the reasons have been, whenever we’ve moved the guys, both of them have settled in and developed traction,” Hurdle said.
Not long after Frazier was first moved down in the order, he earned NL Player of the Week honors. He had 18 hits on five multihit performances from July 1-7.
“I was searching at that time, trying to find a groove and find my swing,” Frazier said. “When you’re in the leadoff spot, you’re relied upon to make things happen. So being a little farther down takes a little load off and maybe gives you one less at-bat a game to stress about.”
Frazier didn’t balk at the change.
“The first time I asked Adam to move and told him why, he goes ‘It’s about time,’” Hurdle said. “He almost asked me ‘what took you so long?’ Sometimes just that change (of) not hitting in the first inning and watching guys go up before can help. But (Frazier) has developed some traction, and I think things have cleaned up for him a little bit down in the seven.”
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Roster moves
The Pirates made multiple roster moves before the game.
Right-handed pitcher Chris Stratton was placed on the 10-day injured list with right-side inflammation. Righty Yefry Ramirez was placed on the 10-day injured list with a right-calf strain. RHPs Parker Markel and Montana DuRapau were recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis.
Justin Guerriero is a Tribune-Review contributing writer.
