Rockies, Reds get impressive debuts from rookie left-handers

While home runs flew off the bats with reckless abandon, two rookie pitchers put together surprising outings in their debut starts.

First, it was Colorado Rockies left-hander Kyle Freeland who picked up a win and a quality start against the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers. Although Coors Field has long been the place where pitchers' hopes and dreams go to die, Freeland looked unimpressed by the stadium's daunting reputation. He shut down the Dodgers, allowing only one run on four hits over six innings Friday afternoon.

Freeland, who hails from Colorado, dominated at times, striking out four consecutive batters between the second and third innings. Beyond that, he needed only five pitches to dispose of the top third of the Dodgers' battery. According to Ken Gurnick and Thomas Harding of MLB.com, Freeland wasn't as free and easy as he appeared.

"I was trying to play it cool, but the butterflies were jumping around in my stomach," said Freeland. "I tried to stay focused on what I needed to do. After I got out of that first inning with that bases-loaded jam, I was able to settle right in a groove. I knew how my pitches were working."

Not a prolific strikeout pitcher across two minor-league levels in 2016, Freeland struck out a Dodger per inning making up for the lack of run support as the Rockies managed only two runs in the victory.

Next came Cincinnati Reds left-hander Amir Garrett, who debuted against division rival St. Louis Cardinals. Garrett left after six scoreless innings, allowing only two hits and two walks in the process.

The 24-year-old Garrett joins the rookie parade of starting pitchers the Reds established in 2016 when the team set a new MLB record with 42 consecutive starts made by rookie pitchers. It's somewhat amazing they had any rookies left over.

Like Freeland, Garrett did not receive much run support, as the Reds wouldn't score a second run until the top of the ninth inning. It was enough to secure Garrett his first career win. He also became the first Reds starting pitcher to win his debut against the Cardinals since Keith Brown on Aug. 25, 1988.

Garrett took a slightly longer road than Freeland as he was drafted by the Reds in the 22nd round of the 2011 draft. Selected eighth overall in 2014, Freeland's pedigree was more pronounced from the beginning, but both reached the majors on the same day and were equally impressive.

On a day when runs and long balls were paraded out on command, these two young guns gave a glimpse of their potential, especially in the context of teams that have longed for stable pitching for years.

(Photo courtesy: Action Images)