 In 1961, despite being the youngest pitcher in the starting rotation, Pizarro emerged as the staff's ace, leading the Chisox with fourteen wins, 188 strikeouts and 194.2 innings pitched.He also made fourteen appearances out of the bullpen, and earned his first career save on August 27.He was given the opening day nod in 1962, and pitched a complete game 2–1 victory over the Los Angeles Angels.