Frankin Morales Sharp As Colorado Rockies Even Up Four-Game Series With The San Diego Padres

Apr 3, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Franklin Morales (56) throws against the Miami Marlins during the third inning at Marlins Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

It looked as if the Colorado Rockies were going to get no-hit Thursday afternoon by Padres starting pitcher Ian Kennedy. He would have a no-hitter going through five innings as Nolan Arenado stepped to the plate in the top half of the sixth. He would hit a hot-shot down the third base line that would bounce off of the bag, heading into left field for a stand-up double. Colorado would fail to bring in Arenado after the lead-off double.

The San Diego Padres got on the board in the bottom of the fourth inning as former Colorado Springs Sky Sox outfielder Xavier Nady hit a solo-shot off of the deck in left field to put San Diego up 1-0. Despite giving up that home run, Franklin Morales pitched exceptionally well. He would go six innings, giving up just four hits, one run, one earned, one walk, and struck out five Padres.

Things started to unravel for Padres righty Ian Kennedy in the seventh inning as Corey Dickerson would hit a bloop double down the left field line. After a Troy Tulowitzki walk, Justin Morneau would rope a double over the head of right fielder Chris Denorfia in right to plate Dickerson to tie the game up at one. Wilin Rosario would follow that up with an RBI groundout to short which would bring in Tulo to take the 2-1 lead. Nolan Arenado would pad the lead for the Rockies with an RBI single through the hole at short to score Morneau, giving the Rockies a 3-1 lead.

Meanwhile, in an effort to beat out an infield single in the seventh to lead off the inning, Rockies right fielder Michael Cuddyer would appear to be in pain after reaching first base. He would favor his left hamstring and the diagnosis was a left hamstring cramp and he will be listed as day-to-day.

After back-to-back rough outings, Rex Brothers looked good in his one inning of relief in the seventh inning. He would strike out back-to-back batters in Yasmani Grandal and Tommy Medica, before getting Will Venable to ground out off of a bunt.

The Colorado Rockies would get the Padres off the board, coming away with the 3-1 victory.

Notable Rockies Hitters:

• Corey Dickerson: 1-for-3, 2B, R.
• Justin Morneau: 1-for-4, 2B, R, RBI.
• Nolan Arenado: 2-for-3, 2B RBI.

Rockies Pitchers:

• Franklin Morales (W, 1-1): 6.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 SO. 98 pitches, 57 strikes.
• Rex Brothers: 1.0 IP, 2 SO.
• Boone Logan: 1.0 IP, 1 H.
• LaTroy Hawkins: 1.0 IP, H.

The Colorado Rockies (8-9) evened up the four-game series with the San Diego Padres, coming away with a split. Rockies will be back in action Friday night as they start a three-game series with the Phillies at home. Probable starting pitchers for Friday night’s game will be Jonathan Pettibone (Phillies) vs. Tyler Chatwood (Rockies). First-pitch will be scheduled for 8:40 PM ET, 6:40 PM MT.