Colorado Rockies: Holliday Drives Much Needed Win

The Colorado Rockies snapped out of their offensive slump on Saturday with 10 hits and four runs to secure a 4-2 win over the San Diego Padres.

Since his stint in the minors, Jon Gray has been steady and solid for the Colorado Rockies.  Saturday evening in San Diego was no different.  Gray spread seven hits and two runs over his six innings.  Both San Diego runs came off of solo shots from left fielder Hunter Renfroe.  Although Gray only struck out one for the game, Renfroe was the only Padres player to have a multi-hit game.  The bottom of the Padres order couldn’t solve Gray. The seven, eight and nine spots  went 2-for-9 stranding seven runners.

Gray improved his season record to 11-7 and his ERA to 4.70.  Scott Oberg, Adam Ottavino and Wade Davis combined to pitch a perfect seventh, eighth and ninth, respectively.  It was, for at least a day, a return to form for Colorado.  After chopping down many of the league titans en route to a tie for the division lead, Colorado has struggled with the last place Padres.

Nolan Arenado, who earlier in the season expressed displeasure with Colorado and stated that he wanted to win.  It’s a curious stance from a player that’s just 5-for-27 in the last seven games and 15-for-59 in his last 15.  Over that 15 game stretch, Arenado has a sparse 7 runs batted in.  Numbers like that in a tight divisional race entering September are inadequate for a player of Arenado’s stature.  Particularly for a player whining about winning.  Nolan has gone from MVP conversation to “It’s Coors Field” in just two weeks.

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Arenado had a good day in San Diego on Saurday, going 2-for-4 and scoring a run.  Matt Holliday, the feel-good story in a year of feel-good stories was 2-for-2 with an RBI and two walks.  Ian Desmond continues to be productive, going 2-for-4 with an RBI of his own.  Trevor Story added a 2-for-4 performance and drove in a run and DJ LeMaheiu dropped a solo shot on Padres starter Robbie Erlin in the fourth.

In all, the win showcased Colorado’s strengths, with Jon Gray stringing together great performances and timely/power from the offensive side.

Colorado remains a half game behind division-leading Arizona and two-and-a-half behind Milwaukee for a NL Wild Card spot.

Colorado finishes up at Petco Park today before moving on, Kyle Freeland brings his stellar season (12-7, 2.90 ERA) to the mound.  The Rockies open a 10-game, all-division home stand on Monday, starting with the Giants.  The stand should solidify the Rockies playoff chances, one way or the other.