Jeff Francis returns... dazzles!

Jeff Francis has made his long-awaited return to the Major Leagues! It was his first start since September 12, 2008. In 2008, Francis underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder. The surgery was a serious one, which few return from. However, during the day game at Coors Field, Francis pitched seven nearly flawless innings, giving up a first inning run, but striking out six. Rockies Manager, Jim Tracy, planned to keep Francis on a strict pitch count of 100 pitches, which Francis surpassed as he worked himself out of a two-on, no-out seventh inning, in which he struck out Scott Olsen and Nyjer Morgan and then got Ian Desmond to pop out. The game was indeed a pitching duel, as Francis faced off against Scott Olsen, who surrendered only a run also. The Rockies came through when Seth Smith drew a pinch-hit walk, and Carlos Gonzalez followed with a single. A sacrifice bunt by Dexter Fowler moved the runners into scoring position, and then Brad Hawpe, hit one deep to score a tagging Smith via the sacrifice fly. What a day of baseball! It's good to have you back, Francis!
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=300516127