The Chase Dollander era began at Coors Field Sunday afternoon, with mixed results.
The Rockies’ right-hander, considered one of the top pitching prospects in franchise history, pitched five innings, giving up four runs on seven hits, including two home runs. The Rockies were leading 7-4 when Dollander left the game.
Dollander, who flashed a 99.3 mph fastball and an assortment of breaking pitches, struck out six. He walked only one.
However, he was hurt by the long ball. Tyler Soderstrom, the A’s cleanup hitter, hit a two-run, 386-foot homer to right field off Dollander in the first inning. Lawrence Butler led off the fifth with a 435-foot blast to center.
Dollander, 23, the ninth overall selection in the 2023 draft out of the University of Tennessee, said Saturday that he was prepared for the challenge of pitching at Coors, the most hitter-friendly ballpark in the majors.
“I think, mentally, I’m 100% ready,” he said. “I’ve been preparing for this moment, and I’m ready to go out there and just have fun.
“There are things that will come up, homers that probably won’t go out anywhere else. But you have to realize that things are going to happen, realize what’s happening, and be able to calm yourself down. That’s one thing I’m really good at.”
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