St. Louis Cardinals: Adam Wainwright shares secret of Coors Field success
By David Hill
Coors Field has a reputation for being a pitcher’s nightmare. With the thin air leading to balls traveling further and breaking pitches not moving nearly as much, it is not uncommon for pitchers to want to get out of town as soon as possible. For St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright, Coors Field is just another ballpark.
Over the years, Wainwright has proven to be a solid pitcher in Colorado. The secret to his success has been to use the other pitcher’s mindset against them.
Adam Wainwright discusses his long history of success at Coors: "There was something mentally I did one of my first couple times here, realizing usually the guy I'm pitching against doesn't want to pitch here. If I embrace that, then I have an edge right away."#STLFLY pic.twitter.com/co91zphH4G
— Bally Sports Midwest (@BallySportsMW) July 2, 2021
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright has right mindset for Coors Field
That strategy has worked throughout his career. In his seven outings in Coors Field spanning 44.2 innings, he has posted a 2.22 ERA and a 1.075 WHiP, striking out 37 batters with just eight walks while allowing only five homers. Those numbers would play almost anywhere, let alone in Colorado.
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It is not a surprise that Wainwright had a strong outing on Thursday given his success at Coors Field in the past. He allowed just two runs on six hits and a walk over his eight innings, striking out four batters. Although it is just a 44.2 inning sample size in his career, it is a bit surprising that the Rockies did not make a push to add a pitcher who has performed well in the thin air.
They may get a chance to rectify that mistake. Even though he will turn 40 years old this season, Wainwright has posted a solid 3.49 ERA and a 1.103 WHiP, striking out 96 batters with 27 walks in his 100.2 innings. There seems to be something left in the tank.
Given his outlook and competitive nature, that should not be much of a surprise. Wainwright has mastered the ability of using expectations against the opposition, including the mindset of the other pitcher when he takes the mound in Colorado. Just knowing that the other pitcher does not want to be there gives him an advantage.
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Even though the St. Louis Cardinals do not travel to Coors Field often, Adam Wainwright has the right mindset for the ballpark.