Henderson Alvarez’s performance with the Toronto Blue Jays last week against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim was the most brilliant of his career.

The 22-year-old Venezuelan player didn’t allow Anaheim to score a single run during his first performance as starting pitcher in the Major Leagues.

On Thursday night, Alvarez pitched seven strong innings to win his third straight start for the Toronto Blue Jays, 6-2 over the Minnesota Twins.

The Venezuelan player is now fifth in the Toronto Blue Jays’ starting rotation because he has allowed just one run in 15 innings during the last two games.

“I feel that the game I played against Anaheim has been the best ever in my career. I performed similarly in the minor league, but it’s not the same doing so in the Major League,” Alvarez told the Toronto Star.

Alvarez also praised his team’s defensive performance. His manager, John Farrell, highlighted that his pitching reached an average of 97 miles per hour.

“Alvarez is a pitcher who obliges his rivals to move it [the ball] to the square. He’s a pitcher with a high average of ground balls, which is important,” he said.

Correo del Orinoco / Press Office – Venezuelan Embassy to the U.S. / May 10, 2012