DENVER, CO. (WCIA) — Champaign native Tanner Gordon accomplished something no Colorado Rockies pitcher had managed since May 15, 2024, delivering six scoreless innings against the Cardinals in a 6-0 victory on Wednesday, July 23.

Gordon is 2-2 this season with a 3.13 ERA, tallying 13 strikeouts over 23 innings pitched.

While he has become familiar with the experience of pitching in major league stadiums, he’s also learned the importance of being ready for an unexpected call-up to the big leagues.

“Don’t get me wrong, I take the time to enjoy the moment,” Gordon said. “The hotels we stay in, the food, the atmosphere, the stadiums, and everything.” “Ultimately, the game moves quickly, so you have to properly prepare yourself and be ready for just about anything.”

Gordon hopes continued performances like this allow him to stay out of the minor leagues.

That’s the thing with the big league too is there’s a lot of mystery, it’s a business at the end of the day,” Gordon said. “There’s a lot of moving parts, but I mean, everyone always said, you have to make them make a hard decision.” “I just kind of do the best I can possibly do.” “I tell myself, ‘What do I got to lose?’ I’m up here.” “We’re here, might as well do it.”