Unlike Lester, however, Jimenez tossed a gem against the St. Louis Cardinals. Pitching eight scoreless innings with a 0-0 mark on the scoreboard, Jimenez pleaded with pitching coach Jim Tracy to let him stay in the game. Tracy didn't concede to the starter's demands, and took him out to help preserve his arm and career.
"He was trying to take care of me and hopefully he wants to see me for a long time in the big leagues," Jimenez told reporters after the game.
The Rockies offense didn't provide any support for Jimenez's solid outing, and the Cardinals scored the winning run in the bottom of the 11th off relief pitcher Franklin Morales.
The no-decision for Jimenez is the third straight failed attempt at his 20th win. Dominating the NL to start the season, Jimenez dropped off in the second half of the year, posting a 2-6 record with two no-decisions since Aug. 10.
The righty still closes out the season with the franchise record for victories in a season as he finishes 2010 with a 19-8 overall record and a 2.88 ERA.
Colorado will conclude their 2010 season on Sunday in St. Louis.
