Walt Weiss Shows Guts By Pulling Nolan Arenado In The Fifth Inning

Jul 3, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies manager Walt Weiss (22) during the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

During the bottom half of the fourth inning during the Pittsburgh Pirates and Colorado Rockies game Friday night, Nolan Arenado check-swung and chopped the ball directly back to Pirates starter Charlie Morton.

Morton would proceed to pick the ball up but couldn’t find the grip right away as he bobbled it. Arenado, visibly upset, jogged down the first base line not knowing Morton bobbled it right away. Arenado hustled towards the end of the play but Morton’s throw reached first base just in time. A message to the kids that were watching at the game or at home: always hustle down the first base line.

More from Colorado Rockies

• Colorado Rockies: Bouncing Back with 8-2 Streak
• Colorado Rockies: Bringing a Winning Streak Home for Weekend Series
• Colorado Rockies: Braves Cruise to Easy Win Concern Growing
• Colorado Rockies: Trouble in LoDo as Dodgers Bring Smoke
• Colorado Rockies: Bats Awaken but LA Dodgers Take Opener

Walt Weiss would teach Arenado the hard way by pulling the gold glove third baseman in the top half of the fifth inning where the Colorado Rockies led 1-0 at that point. Weiss would then replace Arenado with Charlie Culberson who nearly turned a triple-play, but the replay booth said otherwise.

Many fans I’m sure were frustrated with the move but this club needs some spark and energy moving forward. It’s a tough one to swallow I’m sure for Arenado who knows he should have hustled down the line but this was a good move on Weiss’s part, setting the tone for the club.