Resurgent Zarzour rediscovers form, confidence
LA pitcher wins all five starts in June after disasterous May
July 3, 2001
Dodgers pitcher Andrew Zarzour put his worst month as a professional player behind him by enjoying his best month on the bump.
The 20-year-old left-hander, who lost four straight starts in May and saw his ERA climb well above 6.00, came back strong in June. He won all five starts, earned Player of the Game status three times, and picked up one shutout.
While Zarzour didn't make the National League All-Star roster — only Mike Piazza and Alex Rodriguez did from the Dodgers — you could make the argument that the 7-foot-2 flame-thrower pitched as well as anyone during the month.
"I just feel so much better out there," Zarzour said. "I'm not sure what was going on in May, but I think we got it figured out. I'm recovering from my starts better and just have that confidence I had to begin the year. Most of all, I'm thankful we're winning and staying in the playoff race."
Zarzour said he made some "minor adjustments" to his routine and to his pitching mechanics after sitting down with a pitching specialist in the organization. He also adjusted his nutrition, he said, to help him run on "all cylinders" on days where he starts.
Zarzour's standout month keeps the Dodgers' top rivals within sight heading into the second half of the season. LA sits at 42-28 at the break, three games behind San Diego (45-26), one behind San Francisco (43-27) and tied with Arizona (42-28).
Here are highlights from Zarzour's June starts:
June 2: Dodgers 5, Brewers 3 — Zarzour pitches eight complete at Dodger Stadium, giving up three earned runs with 7 Ks and one walk.
June 8: Dodgers 9, Diamondbacks 6 — LA's offense helps bail Zarzour out. He lasts just five innings at Bank One Ballpark in Phoenix, giving up five runs, with four strikeouts and two walks. This is his "worst" performance of the month but thankfully a win.
June 13: Dodgers 2, Giants 0 — A big win at home for LA. Zarzour goes seven innings, giving up only two hits. He fans nine and walks one.
June 18: Dodgers 8, Phillies 1 — Zarzour had already beaten his favorite childhood team once before, throwin a one-hitter at home. He beats them again in Philadelphia, scattering four hits over six innings. He strikes out five with one walk.
July 1: Dodgers 2, Cardinals 1 — For some reason, Dodgers manager Jim Tracy chooses to skip one of Zarzour's starts in favor of Bronson Arroyo. Zarzour uses the rest to pitch another stellar game against one of the NL Central's top teams. Zarzour goes seven innings, giving up six hits and one earned run. He allows two walks but strikes out eight. Catcher Mike Piazza homers early and then bats home the game-winning run in the ninth inning. He is clutch when Z is on the hill.
Zarzour is now 9-5, tied for third for wins in the National League with a number of pitchers. He's got the most wins of any Dodgers' pitcher. Not bad for a No. 5 guy.
Now, it's on to the second half... The big questions: Can Z keep it up? And can the Dodgers finally catch these other teams in their way in the competitive NL West? There is some trade talk brewing in LA as the team tries to make a post-season push... Kerry Wood apparently is back in the picture...
One note: Going into June, scouts informed the Dodgers coaching staff that Zarzour had lost some of his duration. Maybe that was a good thing...