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HAMILTON — Aaron Cook has been living a dream the past five years as a member of the Colorado Rockies, but in the past few months he's taken his success to new heights.

The 1997 Hamilton High grad is having the best season of his career with a 12-6 record and a 3.58 ERA, and he's hoping his excellence continues tonight, July 25, at Great American Ball Park when he takes the mound against the Cincinnati Reds.

Cook, who declined the JournalNews' request for an interview, began his remarkable run in October after fighting his way back from what at first was thought to be a season-ending oblique injury in August. The first action Cook saw after the injury was as the starting pitcher in Game 4 of the World Series against the Boston Red Sox.

Then in December, the Rockies picked up a $4.5 million option on his contract and also extended the deal by two years, meaning Cook will earn $30 million through 2010.

And thus far, Cook has proved himself worthy of that big contract. Not only has he already set a career high in wins with still more than two months left in the season, he also earned a spot on the National League All-Star team.

Cook came into the All-Star game July 15 at Yankee Stadium with the score tied in the 10th inning and turned in a Houdini-like effort after two Dan Uggla errors and an intentional walk loaded the bases with no outs.

Cook got Grady Sizemore, Evan Longoria and Home Run Derby champion Justin Morneau to hit three harmless grounders to keep the game tied heading to the 11th. Cook went on to pitch two more scoreless innings before giving way to Carlos Marmol in the 13th.

In his first action since the All-Star game, Cook picked up the win Sunday against Pittsburgh with seven strong innings.

Tonight at GABP, it will be a matchup of All-Star pitchers as Cook goes against the Reds' Edinson Volquez.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2193 or jmorrison@coxohio.com.