Rockies Open Homestand with Win

A win for Jon Gray.  Two-hit performances from David Dahl and Charlie Blackmon and a Noel Cuevas triple had Rockies fans breathing a sigh of relief.

The Rockies kept pace with the Dodgers and D-Backs who were also winners last night.  Because of that, Colorado is a half game up on Arizona, winners of only two of their last 10. They remain 3 and-a-half up on the surging Dodgers with the Giants treading water between Arizona and LA.

It was a relief to see Jon Gray recover from first inning trouble to get the victory.  Although his four eared runs didn’t do his ERA (5.40) any favors, he did earn the victory, he went six strong innings, striking-out eight before giving way to Mike Dunn, Adam Ottavino and closer Wade Davis.

The trio of relievers gave up just two hits and no runs to secure the win for the home team.

Some of the answers the Rockies have been searching for were addressed, to an extent.  Some questions still remain.  Ian Desmond was 0-4 with a strikeout and stranded three runners.  Desmond seems to be right on the edge of breaking out of his hitting slump.  He has been getting contact and hitting the ball hard, he needs to catch a couple of breaks.

It’s a feeling that permeates the whole team.  The Rockies have not scratched the surface of how good they can be.

Desmond is a microcosm of the state of the Rockies.

Adam Ottavino continues to confound hitters with his video game slider.  It was nice to see Wade Davis look dominating again in earning his 18th save.

Saving the best for last, let’s mention our local superstar Nolan Arenado.  His 1-for-2 performance (two walks) raised his season batting average to .320 and his OPS (on-base plus slugging) to .970.  Both marks by far the highest on the team.  Let’s also not forget his stellar play at third.  Most likely headed to a fourth consecutive Gold Glove, Nolan seems to get better before our eyes.

If the Rox can continue to improve upon top-to-bottom hitting and get solid performances from their starting pitching, this has the potential to be a special season in Denver.