Chatwood finds focus in strong second start

DENVER -- Tyler Chatwood made his 2014 debut at Coors Field Friday night, pitching seven innings and allowing one unearned run in a 12-1 victory over the Phillies. The only thing that could have made it better would have been if it were a couple weeks earlier.

Chatwood missed his first two starts with a left hamstring strain, but was in great form in his second start of the season.

"I feel good about ironing things out," Chatwood said. "I'm not thinking too much. I'm just out there focusing on the glove and trying to hit it on every pitch."

Chatwood left the game with a 9-1 lead after seven complete innings, and the Rockies added a run in the eighth after pinch-hitting for him. He said he felt healthy and "strong" after seven, and had no complaints.

"There wasn't really any reason to go any further than 88 pitches in his second outing," manager Walt Weiss said. "Taking a pitcher out to start the 8th inning in a 10-1 game, I didn't think twice about it."

Chatwood's return has bolstered the rotation, and his 2-0 record and 1.77 ERA have helped bring the club back to .500.

"We're missing two of our guys still, with Brett [Anderson] hurting his hand and [Jhoulys] Chacin on his way back," Chatwood said. "I feel like we're holding it together pretty good, and hopefully we can get on a little run and keep rolling."

Rockies starters have been especially effective at home this season, posting a 5-2 record with a 3.71 ERA.