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2012 Rockies Game #80: Jeff Francis vs. Joe Kelly

By Andrew T. Fisher
June 16, 2012; St. Louis, MO. USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Joe Kelly (58) throws to a Kansas City Royals batter in the first inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-US PRESSWIRE
June 16, 2012; St. Louis, MO. USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Joe Kelly (58) throws to a Kansas City Royals batter in the first inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-US PRESSWIRE

Joe Kelly is a 24-year-old rookie St. Louis chose in the 3rd round of the 2009 draft, eight picks after Ben Paulsen, four picks after Joe Gardner, five picks after Robbie Erlin and seven picks after Wil Myers. He is undefeated in his four career starts to date, allowing more than two runs in just one start - a quality start and his only career win. He has walked four batters total in all four starts and exceeded 75 pitches each time. Joe Kelly is not a Rockies pitcher.

Kelly is predominantly a fastball pitcher, throwing a low-to-mid 90's heater nearly three-quarters of the time. There is good sink to the pitch, making him an early-career Aaron Cook-type pitcher in his stuff and approach. His secondary pitch is a slider, and he offers a change-up, though neither are great pitches.

W-L G GS CG SHO SV BS IP H R ER HR BB K ERA WHIP
2012 - Joe Kelly 1-0 6 4 0 0 0 0 21.1 28 9 8 2 4 11 3.38 1.50

The Rockies turn to Jeff Francis, who has helped Colorado win four straight games with him on the mound. His last two starts came in a particularly hot and dry Coors Field, and he found significant success. Interestingly, despite the conditions at Coors, he has thrown his curveball much more often than any year of his career to date. However he's doing it, all our hopes are on Jeff Francis, as they were eight years ago.

W-L G GS CG SHO SV BS IP H R ER HR BB K ERA WHIP
2012 - Jeff Francis 1-1 5 5 0 0 0 0 24.2 32 15 15 1 5 12 5.47 1.50

Scheduled overflow thread: 8:00 MDT

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