Its beginning to sound like a a broken record, its beginning to sound like a broken record, its beginning to sound like a broken record for the Rockies (49-70) as they suffered another losing series, dropping two games to the Washington Nationals (60-60).
The Colorado Rockies entered this weeks’ home series versus the Washington Nationals 20 games below .500, and left 21 games under.
The Rockies lost the first two games of the series, but pulled out a victory against Cy Young candidate Max Scherzer.
Apart from a few great plays from Carlos Gonzalez and Nolan Arenado, its was a series that seemed to blend into mediocrity. Year after year, its the same story for the Rockies. By August, the team is out of the playoff race, and with nothing to play for, its a tough team to watch. The only thing bringing fans to the ballpark is beer, hotdogs and the chance to see a beautiful sunset.
Luckily, it appears that trend may be ending in the next few years with a plethora of young talent in the minor leagues. With the likes of Antonio Senzatela, Jeff Hoffman, Miguel Castro, Kyle Freeland, Jesus Tinoco, and Mike Nikorak.
Thats not even mentioning highly touted hitting prospects David Dahl, Ramiel Tapia, Ryan McMahon, Brendan Rodgers and Trevor Story.
With a season like this, one can only look to the future and hope, and watch Carlos Gonzalez continue his comeback year while the 2015 campaign dwindles down.
Game 1: Hale (6.17 ERA) vs. Zimmerman (3.44 ERA) 15-6 WAS
Well, the Rockies continue to struggle, especially in the bullpen. In Tuesday’s game, Rockies relievers allowed nine runs in four innings, including 4 earned runs by Tommy Kahnle and 3 by Christian Friedrich. Not to say the starting pitching was any better, as David Hale allowed 6 runs in five innings of work. Overall, the Rockies allowed 15 runs in a game that early on, appeared to be close. Of course, a lot can change in a a matter of innings…
The Rockies were able to string together 13 hits and score 6 runs. However, they allowed more than double the runs they scored, and were handed another ugly loss.
Kyle Parker hit his 2 career big league home run and Jose Reyes hit his first home run as a Colorado Rockie. Carlos Gonzalez added his 28 round tripper of the year in the bottom of the 1st inning to give the Rockies an early lead. All three Rockies home runs were against Jordan Zimmerman. The Rockies were 2-11 with runners in scoring position and left 9 runners on base.
Game 2: De La Rosa (4.50 ERA) vs. Strasburg (4.22 ERA) 4-1 WAS
In a game where the Rockies had a late lead, they managed to squander the advantage and were handed another loss. The Rockies were leading 1-0 in the top of the seventh inning, when Jayson Werth broke the game open with a two-run triple.
Stephan Strasburg pitched a gem, lasting seven innings allowing an unearned run and striking out five. Jorge De La Rosa was solid as well, pitching six scoreless innings, striking out six but also walking six.
The Rockies only managed 2 total hits and were 0-1 with RISP and left one runner on base. They were given few opportunities and were not able to capitalize.
Game 3: Flande (3.94 ERA) vs. Scherzer (2.79 ERA)
Who would have thought that when this game was over, Yohan Flande, not Max Scherzer, would be the winning pitcher. Not only did Flande pitch 7 solid innings, allowing two runs and striking out five, he also chipped in with his bat, hitting a two out RBI single in the 6th, as well as scoring a run off a single in the first.
Max Scherzer pitched 6 innings, striking out eight, allowing three runs, but was stuck with the loss.
John Axford came in to the 9th with a one run lead, and was able to pitch a strong inning to secure the win and his 17 save of the year. Its a breath of fresh air for Axford, who has struggled mightily over the second half of the season.
The Rockies were 3-9 with RISP and left 9 men on base. It continues to be a trend for the Rockies, leaving runners on base in key situations and their inability to score has led to some blowout losses. Hopefully things can turn around, however it is unlikely as there is not much to play for with the playoffs out of reach and only 43 games remaining.
Carlos Gonzalez had another strong series going 2-8 with two walks and a two run home run. In the series opener he suffered a scare that saw him leave Tuesdays game with a knee injury, only to return the next day.
Jose Reyes finally showed some pop, hitting his first home run in a Rockies uniform and going 7-13 with 3 runs scored to go along with the home run and two RBI.
This series could have gone worse for the Rockies had they lost the finale and gotten swept, however it wasn’t a good three-game set for the club.
Overall, it was not a strong series for the Rockies, although they were able to win against Max Scherzer. The upcoming series at home against the New York Mets looks to be a tough matchup as well.
NL West: In 5th, 17.5 games out of 1st behind LA
Games Remaining: 43
Run Differential: -98
Next Series: 3 game series vs. NYM
Friday, August 21, 6:40 PM MST, Jon Gray vs. Bartolo Colon
Saturday, August 22, 6:10 PM MST, Chris Rusin vs. Jon Niese
Sunday, August 23, 2:10 PM MST, David Hale vs. Matt Harvey
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