Colorado Rockies: Clawing back into NL West Race

A quick road-trip

The Rockies used a travel day Thursday to head to Seattle for a three game set in the Emerald City.

Friday starter German Marquez continued a strong string of starting-pitching performances, giving Colroado six strong innings, netting five strikeouts and surrendering only a solo shot in the sixth to Mariners left-fielder Denard Span (8). Mariners starter Felix Hernandez (an idol to Marquez) did not fare as well against Colorado sluggers, giving up eight hits and three runs in his five innings.  Charlie Blackmon once again jump-started the Colorado offense with a first-inning shot. Ian Desmond’s average continues to creep up and he grabbed his eighth stolen base.  Not to be outdone, Trevor Story stole his 11th base to go with his 2-for-4 performance at the plate. Also of note, a rare fielding error charged to Nolan Arenado.

Saturday’s game was more of the same with Kyle Freeland going five innings before giving up the solo shot to Jean Segura (7).   The Rockies, taking advantage of the American League park started Noel Cuevas in right and used CarGo at the DH spot.  The move paid dividends as Cuevas posted a 3-for-4 outing with three RBI on a 7th inning home run.  Gonzalez went 2-for-4 with an RBI of his own. Ian Desmond added his ninth stolen base.  Good to see Adam Ottavino as the Rockies cruise to another series win and 5-1 victory.

Sunday’s game was a check for the surging Rockies who came in winners of five straight.  Antonio Senzatela gave the Rockies six innings but surrender six runs over that span.  Three first-inning runs and three walks doomed Senzatela’s day.  The Rockies were game, taking a 4-3 lead in the sixth.  Home runs from Blackmon, CarGo and Story accounted for all of the Rockies run production on the day.  Ryon Healy, the Mariners first-basemen ended the Rox and Senzatela’s day with a game-capping three-run blast.  The Rockies fall 6-4 but secure their second series win of July.