Cole named NL Pitcher of the Month

PITTSBURGH -- Gerrit Cole, who set the tone for the Pirates' outstanding pitching during the month of April, was named the National League Pitcher of the Month on Monday.

Cole went 4-0 during the season's first month, with an ERA of 1.76 and a WHIP of 0.98, in becoming the first Pittsburgh pitcher accorded the monthly honor since Randy Tomlin in June 1992.

With Cole leading the way, the Bucs' rotation has fashioned a collective ERA of 2.67.

Cole's fabulous first month this season was a carryover from his final month last season, as he went 4-1 in September, winning his last four decisions.

The eight-game win streak is the longest active run in the Majors.

"The fastball and the way he commands it makes him dynamic," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said of his young ace. "He wants to be a master craftsman out on the mound, and that's what he has been."