Zack Godley sprints his way to a successful MLB debut for the Arizona Diamondbacks
Jul 23, 2015, 9:06 PM | Updated: 11:03 pm
Zack Godley’s major league debut for the Arizona Diamondbacks was a resounding success, both in his pitching performance and creating a signature for himself right away in the majors.
The 25-year-old pitched for six innings, giving up only four hits and zero runs. He struck out seven Brewers and had zero walks, throwing 66 of his 88 pitches for strikes.
Godley’s seven strikeouts tie Max Scherzer’s franchise record for strikeouts in a major league debut. He was also the first pitcher in the modern era to throw 6+ scoreless innings with zero walks and 7+ strikeouts in his MLB debut.
What stood out the most for Godley besides his command was his signature move when he would come to the mound or exit to the dugout. Godley goes with a full sprint to and from both.
Everyday I’m hustlin’. pic.twitter.com/D5wcgivugj
— MLB GIFS (@MLBGIFs) July 24, 2015
The rookie also showed the ability to make a heads-up play defensively, when he turned a double play in the third inning. With runners on first and third, Godley fielded a ground ball, froze the runner at third with a quick look, and threw the ball quickly down to second base. From there, Nick Ahmed would easily throw out Hernan Perez attempting to score at home.
Thursday was only Godley’s fourth appearance above Single-A baseball. He started the season in Single-A Visalia and went 8-3 with a 2.27 ERA in 14 games (12 starts). Godley struck out 78 and walked 19 in 75.1 innings.
He then made three appearances in Double-A Mobile, where he went 1-1 with a 5.14 ERA.
Godley was traded to the D-backs from the Chicago Cubs in the Miguel Montero deal last winter.
