Pirates starting pitcher Gerrit Cole failed to complete six innings for the first time in three starts Friday, in a 4-2 loss to the Rockies.
Cole fell just short of a quality start in the outing, as he ran into trouble in the sixth inning. Holding on to a 1-1, Cole walked the leadoff hitter in the sixth, and was pulled with one out after allowing a single.
Though he left with the game tied, the bullpen ultimately allowed both inherited runners to score, leaving Cole charged with three runs in 5 1/3 innings. He threw 66 of 102 pitches for strikes, while striking out six and walking two batters.
Cole is now 5-5 through 10 starts, with a 3.69 ERA. He will try to get back over .500 with his next start, scheduled for Thursday against the Marlins.