Cole (1-2) didn't allow a run over six innings against the Padres on Thursday to claim his first win of the 2016 season. He allowed four hits, struck out seven and walked none.
The right-hander pitched better in his second outing last week, but didn't really seem like himself during his first two starts. He looked great Thursday, registering 20 called strikes and eight swing-and-misses. He actually only threw a first-pitch strike to 12 of the 22 batters he faced, but he still avoided any walks. Cole now has 16 strikeouts and just four walks over 16.2 innings. His next start will be Tuesday in Colorado.