Juan Nicasio Pitches Seven Strong In Colorado Rockies Victory Over The New York Mets

May 1, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies pitcher Juan Nicasio (12) delivers a pitch during the third inning against the New York Mets at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

The Colorado Rockies led by Juan Nicasio Thursday night continue to roll as they defeated the New York Mets at Coors Field in game one of a four-game set, 7-0.

The Rockies would get on the board first in the bottom half of the first inning as outfielder Carlos Gonzalez ripped a Bartolo Colon offering over the fence in right-center that ended up hitting the back of the bullpen wall for a solo home run. Moving ahead to the bottom half of the second inning after back-to-back singles from Corey Dickerson and Charlie Culberson, pitching Juan Nicasio would hit a two-RBI single to the fence in right, helping out his own cause giving Colorado the 3-0 lead.

In the bottom half of the third inning, Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado would extend his hitting streak to an MLB best 21-games after a single up the middle. Jumping ahead to the bottom half of the fourth, Juan Nicasio would drive in another run as he roped a sacrifice-fly to left, plating Wilin Rosario to push the lead to four. Charlie Blackmon was the next batter and he would single to right, scoring Dickerson while Charlie Culberson moved to third. Nolan Arenado added a sacrifice-fly to score Culberson as Colorado ended the fourth inning up 6-0.

The very next inning, the Rockies would add yet another run. Justin Morneau got on base with a single while two batters later, Corey Dickerson would triple to the fence in right as the Rockies took the hefty 7-0 lead. Meanwhile, Rockies pitcher Juan Nicasio pitched a fantastic game in a bounce back effort. He would end up giving up just three hits, one walk, two strikeouts on 95 pitches.

Chad Bettis would replace him in the eighth inning after being recalled in wake of Tyler Chatwood‘s elbow injury. He would walk pinch-hitter Bobby Abreu with two outs bringing up Juan Lagares who was just activated off the disabled list. He would double to deep right to plate Abreu, putting the Mets on the board. Just when you thought the game was out of reach in the top half of the ninth, Travis d’Arnaud would club a three-run shot to left to bring the lead to within three. Bettis would however get the final batter in the inning to fly out to right to end the game.

Notable Rockies Hitters:

• Nolan Arenado: 1-for-3, 1 RBI. (21-game hit streak)
• Carlos Gonzalez: 1-for-2, HR. (Left game in the 4th with a left finger contusion)
• Troy Tulowitzki: 2-for-4, 2B.
• Corey Dickerson: 3-for-4, 3B, RBI.
• Juan Nicasio: 1-for-2, 3 RBI.

Rockies Pitching:

• Juan Nicasio (W, 3-1): 7.0 IP, 3 H, 1 BB, 2 SO. 95 pitches, 56 strikes.
• Chad Bettis: 2.o IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB.

The Colorado Rockies (17-13) take game one of the four-game set with the Mets, 7-4. Rockies send out ace Jorge De La Rosa (2-3) tomorrow night vs. Mets righty Zack Wheeler (1-2). First-pitch is scheduled for 8:40 PM ET, 6:40 PM MT.