Anyone still following the Colorado Rockies (52-76) in 2015 knows they have been struggling to say the least. Over the weekend they traveled to beautiful Pittsburgh (79-50) to face the wild-card hopeful Pirates. Looking to avoid another series sweep, the Rockies came out of Pittsburgh 1-2, losing another series. It could have been worse for the NL bottom-feeding Rockies who continue to disappoint in 2015…
Game 1: Gray (6.00 ERA) vs. Liriano (3.28 ERA) 5-3 PIT
After suffering his worst loss of his big league career in his previous start, Jon Gray looked to earn his first win. Unfortunately for him, he was matched up against a very hot Pittsburgh Pirates team, and one of their best pitchers, Francisco Liriano.
The Pirates got on the board first, scoring on a single from rookie of the year candidate Jung Ho Kang that brought Andrew McCutchen across the plate.
The Bucs scored another run in the third inning, again off the bat of Kang, who doubled, scoring Gregory Polanco.
Jose Reyes answered back in the top of the 5th, hitting a two-run home run to the left field corner. This tied the game and gave Jon Gray an opportunity to stay in and compete for the win. He came out for the bottom of the 5th, only to give up a double to Gregory Polanco who moved to 3rd on a wild pitch. Polanco then scored on a sac fly by Starling Marte, effectively ending Gray’s night.
Carlos Gonzalez continued his power stroke, crushing a solo shot into deep center, tying the game at 3-3 in the top of the sixth.
The game was tied until the bottom of the 8th inning when the Pirates strung together several hits and scored two more runs. Scott Oberg was stuck with the loss, allowing both runs in the 8th, in his only inning of work.
The two run lead was enough for the Pirates to secure the victory, as they sent out Mark Melancon for the 9th, recording his league leading 42nd save.
Fransisco Liriano (9-6) pitched well in his six innings, striking out 5. He was unable to come away with the win due to the home runs by Reyes and Gonzalez.
After the first few innings it looked like Pittsburgh may have their way with Jon Gray. Fortunately for the Rockies top prospect, he kept his cool and only allowed 3 runs while striking out 6 in only 4.1 innings. He struggled with his control most of the evening but was able to constantly fool Pirates hitters with his fastball.
The Rockies fought hard friday night, but were unable to overcome multiple deficits.
Game 2: Rusin (4.94 ERA) vs. Happ (1.98 ERA) 4-3 PIT
Just as it has been for much of the season, the Rockies found themselves behind in yet another game.
This game was over almost as soon as it began, with Aramis Ramirez hitting a three run homer in the bottom of the 1st inning.
The Rockies were able to score a run in the third inning, making it a 3-1 game after 3. The score would remain the same until the 7th inning, when the Pirates added a run to distance themselves from the Rockies.
The 4-1 lead was too much to overcome for the Rockies, who made a push in the 9th, but were ultimately unable to extend the game. Nick Hundley hit a two-run home run in the top of the 9th inning, making it 4-3, but that would be as close as the game would get.
Chris Rusin (4-7) pitched six solid innings, walking 3 and striking out 3. Apart from the first inning 3-run homer, Rusin didn’t make any big mistakes. Unfortunately, the lack of run support was his ultimate demise.
J.A. Happ (7-7) pitched well enough to get the win Saturday, lasting 5.2 innings of one run ball, striking out two and walking one. Mark Melancon entered in the 9th, and recorded a save for the second straight night (43), although he gave up the two-run homer to Hundley.
The Rockies were unable to capitalize on a solid pitching performance from Rusin, leaving 7 runners on base and were 1-7 with RISP.
Game 3: De La Rosa (4.40 ERA) vs. Morton (4.22 ERA) 5-0 COL
In danger of yet another brutal sweep, the Rockies did everything in their power to avoid another winless series.
This game went entirely the way of the Rockies, something that hasn’t been said often in recent memory.
Jorge De La Rosa had one of his better starts of the year Sunday, pitching 6 scoreless innings and striking out 7 while only allowing four hits.
Nolan Arenado struck first, doubling in a run in the 4th. Ben Paulsen followed with a two-run triple in the same inning, giving the Rockies a 3-0 lead.
Two more runs scored in the 6th on an error by Charlie Morton giving the Rockies a 5-0 lead. The lead would remain safe as Scott Oberg and John Axford pitched scoreless innings to keep the Pirates at bay.
Charlie Morton lasted 6 innings, allowing 5 runs (3 earned) on six hits, while walking 2 and striking out 6.
The Rockies were 2-9 with RISP and left 6 runners on base but were able to score 5 runs on only 7 hits.
The Rockies managed to suppress a strong Pittsburgh offense and prevented a three-game sweep.
With September just around the corner, the Rockies can only hope for a painless end to the season. In the basement of the National League and one of the worst teams in all of baseball, there is not much to watch for as 2105 comes to an end. One can only hope that next year will be more entertaining and worth watching in September.
This upcoming month, the Rockies will face division rivals from the NL West several times. Hopefully, they can foil the playoff hopes of the San Francisco Giants or the Los Angeles Dodgers…
Links:
The Troy Tulowitzki trade is likely going to become a disaster for the Rockies– Matt Gross talks Tulo trade after a month since the star’s exit.
Kyle Kendrick to rejoin the team in what might be a six-man rotation for September– Eric Garcia McKinely talks the return of Kyle Kendrick and a possible 6-man rotation for September.
Road To The Colorado Rockies: August 28 Minor League Updates– Bobby DeMuro talks Rockies farm system.
Gray Area After Jon– J.J. Buck talks about the future of Jon Gray.
NL West: In 5th, 20 games out of 1st behind LA
Games Remaining: 34
Run Differential: -105
Next Series: 4 game series vs. AZ
Monday, August 31, 6:40 PM MST, Chad Bettis vs. Robbie Ray
Tuesday, September 1, 1:10 PM MST, Kyle Kendrick vs. Patrick Corbin
Wednesday, September 2, 6:40 PM MST, Yohan Flande vs. Ruby De La Rosa
Thursday, September 3, 6:40 PM MST, Jon Gray vs. Chase Anderson
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