MIAMI -- Gerrit Cole had a rough start to the month of August. In his first four outings, the Pirates' ace combined for a 4.70 ERA and a 3.53 xFIP over 23 innings. There were some concerns at the time that he might be wearing down. There were also concerns over his play, which were probably combined with concerns about Francisco Liriano's struggles, A.J. Burnett's injury, and uncertainty over J.A. Happ and Charlie Morton.
Cole has since rebounded very well. In his last outing, he gave up just one unearned run in seven innings. Tonight he went 7.