Following the departure of Tim Hudson and Mark Mulder, Zito was given his first Opening Day assignment in 2005.
He allowed four runs over six innings in a 4–0 loss to the Orioles on April 4.
In 2005, Zito again struggled in the month of April, going 0–4 with a 6.60 ERA.
In his first 16 starts of the campaign, he was 3–8 with a 4.41 ERA.
However, Zito pitched better the rest of the season.
He had a streak of 14 consecutive starts from May 17 through July 25 (and 20 out of 21 through August 30) in which he gave up fewer hits than innings pitched.
From June 28 through August 4, he earned the win in eight consecutive starts.
On June 6, Zito allowed two runs in six innings in a 2–1 loss to the Washington Nationals.
During the game, he collected his first major league hit, against Tony Armas, Jr.. Zito was named Pitcher of the Month in July, going 6–0 with a 2.51 ERA.
In 35 starts, Zito went 14–13 with a 3.86 ERA.
Zito's 35 starts were the most in Major League Baseball that season, demonstrating his durability as a pitcher.
He also had 171 strikeouts, good for fifth in the league.
Following the departure of Tim Hudson and Mark Mulder, Zito was given his first Opening Day assignment in 2005. He allowed four runs over six innings in a 4–0 loss to the Orioles on April 4. In 2005, Zito again struggled in the month of April, going 0–4 with a 6.60 ERA. In his first 16 starts of the campaign, he was 3–8 with a 4.41 ERA. However, Zito pitched better the rest of the season. He had a streak of 14 consecutive starts from May 17 through July 25 (and 20 out of 21 through August 30) in which he gave up fewer hits than innings pitched. From June 28 through August 4, he earned the win in eight consecutive starts. On June 6, Zito allowed two runs in six innings in a 2–1 loss to the Washington Nationals. During the game, he collected his first major league hit, against Tony Armas, Jr.. Zito was named Pitcher of the Month in July, going 6–0 with a 2.51 ERA. In 35 starts, Zito went 14–13 with a 3.86 ERA. Zito's 35 starts were the most in Major League Baseball that season, demonstrating his durability as a pitcher. He also had 171 strikeouts, good for fifth in the league.
Barry Zito