Sensational Start: Antonio Senzatela holds Brewers scoreless in MLB debut

22-year-old right-hander Antonio Senzatela made his MLB debut on Thursday at Miller Park. The Colorado Rockies ninth rated prospect by MLB.com pitched five scoreless innings before getting the handshake from Bud Black.

The club’s fourth starter threw 93 pitches, struck out six, walked three, allowed just two hits facing off against the Milwaukee Brewers. It was just his eighth start above High-A as his season at Double-A Hartford was limited to injury. In 2015 he was named the California League Pitcher of the year with the Modesto Nuts which came just a season after he led the Asheville Tourists to a South Atlantic League Championship.

Senzatela’s start on Thursday was also the first since his mother lost her battle with cancer last summer. The young starter was clearly thinking about her today.

Senzatela's 93rd pitch of the game, in his MLB Debut, a high-heater at 96 mph for his sixth strikeout. pic.twitter.com/97gTip0uk8

— Jake Shapiro, but festive 🎁 (@Shapalicious) April 6, 2017

‘Senza’ topped at 97.5 mph today and once he settled down from some explainable early innings nerves he liked great.

His slider was sharp but overall his commanding fastball, which the Rockies told him to throw more is what was the difference maker. Senzatela’s noticeably smooth delivery is a big reason for his acumen. He needs the changeup to come along a bit more and get more comfortable throwing his slider. Someone someday will catch up to his fastball and that’s why the Rockies staff is so adamant he develops secondary pitches.

For now, he looks good as the Rockies fourth starter and he’ll get the ball again Tuesday against San Deigo.