One criticism of Gerrit Cole from evaluators like Keith Law has been that Cole doesn’t have enough swing and miss stuff as he doesn’t post high strikeout numbers. Whether that’s the case or not, Cole is evolving right in front of our eyes. Cole shined once again tonight, allowing 5 hits and 1 earned run in seven innings pitched vs the Cubs. Cole struck out 7 and walked 3. Cole has 16 strikeouts in his last two starts and has allowed 3 earned runs or less in 16 of 17 starts this season. There hasn’t been a more consistent pitcher for the Pirates and Cole might be evolving into the Pirates best pitcher down the stretch.