In 2010, Ubaldo Jiménez delivered one of the best single-season pitching performances in the history of the Colorado Rockies. From 2006 to 2009, he had a combined ERA of 3.82 over 84 games. Pitching at Coors Field, known for its high altitude, it’s particularly challenging for starting pitchers to maintain an ERA below 4.00. Jiménez managed to achieve this in four out of his first five seasons. However, in 2010, he reached an even higher level of performance.
Ubaldo Jiménez Came Out of the Gates Firing
The Rockies were coming off a strong 2009, their second playoff appearance in three seasons. It was the best single-season performance for Jiménez to that point. In 2009, he started 33 games, going 15-12, posting a 3.47 ERA with 198 strikeouts and 85 walks. He had built plenty of momentum for himself going into 2010 as one of the Rockies’ top starters. He wasted no time continuing where he left off when the 2010 season began.
In April, Jiménez had an impressive performance, going 5-0 with a 0.79 ERA and recording 31 strikeouts to 14 walks over 34 and 1/3 innings. He continued his outstanding play in May, finishing with a record of 5-1, a 0.78 ERA, and 39 strikeouts to 12 walks across 46 innings.
As a result of his exceptional performance, Jiménez was named the National League Player of the Month for both April and May. He is the only pitcher in Rockies history to win back-to-back NL Pitcher of the Month Awards. Additionally, only two other pitchers from Colorado have received this honor: Shawn Chacon in April 2003 and Germán Márquez in September 2018.
Jiménez’s Ups and Downs
As summer arrived, his ERA declined, yet the Rockies continued to win while he was on the mound. Jiménez recorded a 6-1 record in June and July with a 5.22 ERA, striking out 56 batters and walking 32 over 60 2/3 innings pitched. His impressive performance earned him an All-Star appearance, the only one of his career.
His first half of the season is almost certain to never be replicated by a Rockies pitcher. He finished with a record of 15 wins and 1 loss, a 2.20 ERA, and a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 113 to 46 over 127 innings. This outstanding performance solidified his season as one of the greatest single-season pitching displays in Rockies history.
Only No-Hitter in Rockies History
On April 17, during a historic performance against the Atlanta Braves, Jiménez threw the first no-hitter in Rockies history. The Rockies secured a 4-0 victory, improving his record to 3-0 for the season. He effectively navigated around six walks while recording seven strikeouts, solidifying his place in franchise history. Fourteen years later, Jiménez remains the only pitcher to achieve a no-hitter for the Rockies, marking a significant moment for a franchise not typically recognized for its pitching prowess.
This game introduced Jiménez to the rest of the league and was one of several outstanding performances in the first half of the season. He had four starts during that time in which he pitched at least six innings while allowing two runs or fewer. One of these impressive outings took place at home, where he led the Rockies to a 12-1 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks, playing a crucial role in his successful season.
Home and Road Splits
He had a strong season, finishing with a 9-2 record and a 3.19 ERA at home, along with 96 strikeouts in 15 games. On the road, he posted a 10-6 record and a 2.63 ERA, tallying 118 strikeouts and 54 walks over 18 games. Managing the different ball movements at Coors Field is challenging, but Jiménez excelled. Although his second half was not as impressive as the first, he still kept the team competitive, ending with a 4-7 record, a 3.80 ERA, and 101 strikeouts.
In the first half of 2010, Jiménez delivered an impressive performance, especially considering he played in Colorado. His no-hitter was a highlight of the season, during which he went 19-8 with a 2.88 ERA, holding opponents to a .209 batting average. With a 7.5 WAR and career-high stats, his season ranks among the best in Rockies history, making it one of the franchise’s greatest single-season pitching performances.
Jimenez’s 2010 season is a defining moment in Rockies history. It’s highlighted by his first no-hitter and an impressive 15-1 record. His remarkable performance set a high standard for Rockies pitchers and showcased his immense talent in the challenging environment of Coors Field.
Despite some struggles in the second half, Jiménez’s overall contributions were vital to the team’s success and have left a lasting impact on both fans and the franchise. His legacy serves as an inspiration, illustrating that excellence is achievable even in the toughest circumstances in baseball.
Main Photo: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
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