Colorado Rockies: Marquez, Arenado Shine in Victory
The Colorado Rockies continue to surprise with outstanding starting pitching and late-game offensive heroics, defeating the Houston Astros 6-4.
The game had some big numbers hanging on it. A win, coupled with an Arizona Diamondbacks loss would pull the Rockies into a tie for the division lead (Arizona beat Texas 6-4). Houston starter Justin Verlander was looking for his 200th win and Colorado manager Bud Black could earn his 800th victory in the Tuesday tilt.
Final. 5. 108. 1. 135
German Marquez and Nolan Arenado would have something to say about both accomplishments. Marquez notched his 10th win of the season in a 3-hit, one-run, seven-strikeout gem. Arenado, playing DH in the American League park responded to Marquez’ lone stumble with a two-run chip shot home run, his 30th to the opposite field. Rockies 2, Dodgers 1.
Ryan McMahon, the weekend hero was hit-by-pitch’ed by Verlander replacement Colin McHugh and would come all the way around on a Tony Wolters double. Trevor Story added a solo shot in the eighth, his 25th.
Ian Desmond led off the ninth with a triple off of the Astros’ Will Harris and would cross the dish on an RBI single from Charlie Blackmon to close out the scoring and the game.
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Marquez gave way to Adam Ottavino in the eighth, who despite a leadoff walk, sat the Astros down with no damage done. Wade Davis, recovering his dominant form, rolled through Houston’s 4, 5 and 6 hitters in just 14 pitches.
Wolters was flagged for catcher interference on a 3-2 count to the Astros’ Josh Reddick. A rare error charged to the Rockies.
So, on a beautiful day at Minute Maid Park (the roof was closed), the Colorado Rockies earned Manager Bud Black his 800th victory, denied Astros star Justin Verlander his 200th, extended the Astros home loss streak to nine and kept pace in the ultra-competitive NL West. Arenado hit his 30th and Marquez won his 10th. Symmetry.
All-in-all a pretty good day down at the ballpark.
On-deck is a Wednesday tilt with the Champs, Tyler Anderson (6-4, 3.94 ERA) takes on Gerrit Cole (10-5, 2.75).