Rockies rally for walkoff after strong start by Nicasio
Despite another good start at Coors Field, Juan Nicasio didn’t pick up a win, but a two-out single in the bottom of the ninth by Carlos Gonzalez ensured that at least the Rockies did, a 3-2 walkoff win over the Atlanta Braves.
Nicasio, who was spotted a two-run lead in the bottom of the first inning on a Todd Helton home run, allowed four hits, walked one and struck out four in seven innings. The one run he allowed in the second inning snapped an 18-inning scoreless streak at Coors Field. He ran into trouble in only one other inning, the sixth, when his own error allowed the first runner of the inning to reach and a double put runners at second and third with nobody out. But a grounder to third produced the first out on a fielder’s choice at home and two more groundouts on good defensive plays by Mark Ellis and Troy Tulowitzki ended the inning with no damage.
But while Nicasio was easing through his evening, Braves starter Tim Hudson settled in after Helton’s home run. Hudson allowed just three more hits (five total), walked one and hit two batters in seven innings, keeping the game where it was in the second inning, a 2-1 Rockies lead.
The Rockies bullpen took over in the eighth, with Rex Brothers allowed one hit got two fly outs before giving way to Matt Lindstrom. A stolen base by Jordan Schafer, who singled off Brothers to start the inning, put a runner in scoring position with two outs, and Dan Uggla answered with a single to center to tie the game at 2-2. Huston Street pitched a one-two-three ninth that included a scare by pinch-hitter Brian McCann, who flied out to the track in center for the final out.
The first two hitters in the ninth for the Rockies — Eliezer Alfonzo and Ian Stewart — went quickly on a fly out to center and pop out to the infield. Dexter Fowler then reached and moved to second on an error when a grounder got through Braves third baseman Martin Prado. With left-hander Eric O’Flaherty on the mound, the Braves elected to intentionally walk pinch-hitter Ty Wigginton and pitch to Gonzalez, who produced the Rockies’ second walkoff win of the season with a single to right field.
I guess their scouts didn’t give them the heads up – walk Ty??? He would have given them all the outs they needed. I knew when they walked him they were sealing their fate! Nice win!!!
For once I didn’t watch a train wreck the day after putting up a crooked score. It was a pleasure to see four gold glove caliber infielders put in a great day in the office. Ian Stewart twice took away runs. Contrast it with Atlanta defense letting a ball through their legs to set up the walkoff.
Still disappointed in bullpen work. I thought Linstrom came in because he was quicker to the plate with. Schaeffer on 1B. Once he stole second I would have gone to Bettancourt. All this shouldn’t have happened if the Rox successfully executed the sac fly situation earlier in the game. Smith striking out in that situation was the worst play of the night.
Agree 100% Jaredean. Walking Ty brought a smile to my face. Always happy to see the opposing team make the fielding and managerial errors. Wish someone would explain to me what the Fonz is doing here.
That is just exactly what the Rocks need is a few walk off wins to get them going!
Yeah, especially after FGH reported all those depressing numbers on how poor the Rockies record is (especially when compared to a good team like the Braves) when leading or tied after 7 innings and how few walk-offs the Rox have. A little more LoDo Magic, a little more fight is what this team needs.
And even if they don’t make the playoffs, this kind of game will bring the fans to Coors and make baseball fun again.
Bless their little hearts, they looked like a baseball team!
What’s up with Alfonso as the backup catcher? At least with Pagnozzi, we got defense.
Thank you Mr. Prado. The Rockies needed that win bad. Too bad Nicasio didn’t get the win.
Easy to second guess, after the fact, why walk Wigginton to get to Gonzalez but the fact is since coming back he hasn’t exactly been lighting it up. Glad to see him come through in a clutch situation. Maybe that will get him going.
Agreed mikeotber, if you live and die by stats, then statistically speaking it looked all bad for the Rockies after the tie.
Great win. They need to roll off another 6 or 7 in a row.
Off the subject of the game, but was our family the only one that noticed during the Roots Sports post game coverage interview of Mark Ellis there was a player in the background undressing? I was late to turn my head to make an ID, but my wife was saying ‘oh my …” and my 12 year old daughter was laughing her butt off. After the Janet Jackson hoopla, I expected at least some snarky comments. We are still curious who was caught sans clothing.
DAFDGO, go to 7-20 line-up thread. There is a bunch of comments there.
rockies are going to win 8 games in a row!! trust me