Journal-News.com

CINCINNATI — New dad Aaron Cook did not get the opportunity to earn his third complete game of the season Friday night, July 25, in front of a hometown crowd at Great American Ball Park.

But it wasn't because of the Reds.

Cook, a Hamilton native, threw eight strong innings, allowing just five hits and one run as he earned his 13th win of the season in a 7-2 Rockies triumph. The victory tied Cook with Arizona's Brandon Webb for the National League lead.

Cook didn't overpower the Reds, recording just four strikeouts, but he was efficient in throwing 93 total pitches, 65 of them for strikes, and he didn't allow a walk.

"I was able to go out there and get ground balls and had a great defense behind me," Cook said. "Those guys know I'm not a high-strikeout pitcher, so they are always out there for me."

Even with a strong defensive effort behind him, it was Cook himself who made one of the best fielding plays in the game.

In the eighth inning with one out and nearing the 90-pitch mark, Cook, with his back facing home plate, chased down a foul pop near third base by Ken Griffey Jr. for the second out of the inning.

"I was able to get a good break off the mound," Cook said. "That's the way I play the game."

His eight innings of work also moved him into the top spot in the National League with 153 2/3 innings pitched.

Over his last three starts, Cook has allowed just five runs in 21 innings, a 2.14 ERA.

"It was great to be here," Cook said of pitching near his hometown. "I had a lot of people cheering for me."

Cook became a father for the third time on Thursday. His wife, Holly, also a Hamilton native, gave birth to Colton Jeremiah at 1:30 p.m. in Cincinnati's Good Samaritan Hospital. The baby weighed 8 pounds, 3 ounces and was 20 inches long. Colton joins the family's two other children, Alexis and Elijah.

Cook said he got the game ball and the lineup card to display in the baby's room.

Cook will be at the stadium for batting practice today, but plans to leave and spend the rest of the weekend with his family.