Last April we took a look at Edinson Volquez’s first inning struggles with the Cincinnati Reds. His first inning struggles were nothing new to Volquez has he had a 9.00 ERA in the first inning in 2009 and a 6.17 first inning ERA in 2010.

Volquez finished the 2011 season with a 10.35 first inning ERA and perhaps a fresh start in San Diego would quill Volquez’s first inning struggles. Not so much.

Volquez struggled again in the first inning last against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Volquez gave up three hits and two runs and looked all out of sorts. The main reason he gave up two runs in the first was because he forgot to cover first base on a ball hit to Yonder Alonso by Miguel Montero. Yes, Montero’s bat shattered into a million pieces and probably frightened Volquez, but that was no excuse not to cover first.

That would have ended the inning. Instead, Volquez had to face Paul Goldschmidt and Goldschmidt promptly doubled to knock in two runs. Damage done.

What is amazing is that Volquez has this great ability to settle down after the first inning. Volquez allowed just two hits over the next six innings, while striking out eight Diamondbacks.

If Volquez can ever find his way in the first inning, he would become one complete pitcher.

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By The Baseball Index