Adam Wainwright is a guy who has evolved as time goes on.
After his career almost came to an end in 2018 due to elbow troubles, he had to change his arm angle.
Now, he’s back to simply making pitches.
The St. Louis Cardinals‘ veteran ace is such a crafty pitcher, who proves time and again that pitching is an art.
Last night, he took a no-decision, but pitched seven innings and allowed just two runs against the Chicago Cubs.
In fact, he did this without recording a single strikeout.
Sarah Langs of MLB.com tweeted that this is actually the second time Wainwright has pitched six or more innings in a game without recording a strikeout.
The other time was June 18 of 2007.
With 7 IP & 0 K, this is Adam Wainwright’s 2nd career start of at least 6+ IP and 0 strikeouts, along with:
June 18, 2007: 7 IP, 0 K, 5 R (4 ER)
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) June 6, 2022
Bueno For Waino
It’s rare to not strike anybody out and still dominate.
But Wainwright is such a smart pitcher and knows how to get ground balls as well.
He can always figure out a way to get guys out and is somebody who is constantly evolving.
There are a number of ways this guy can beat you.
But to dominate without a strikeout is rare for him and more akin to Dakota Hudson, who is a groundball specialist.
Wainwright is usually a guy who can get a decent number of strikeouts.
But when you pitch to weak contact, you’re bound to retire some guys, and that’s what he did on Sunday against the Cubs.
Again, this is a guy who can find so many different ways to shut down his opponent.
It stands to reason why he’s been around for so long.
He may be one of the last of his kind, but even at 40, he’s still pitching like he’s in his prime.
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