"Coming out and winning the first two [games on Thursday and Friday], I was just ready to get back out there and close this thing out," Cole said.
Pirates manager Clint Hurdle could tell Cole was preparing for his start even during the last three games. Hurdle said it looked like Cole was "hunting in the dugout," watching the Nationals' hitters and what kind of swings they were taking.
"The way he works, I think he uses it to [his] advantage," Hurdle said.