Gonzalez, Smith homers help Rockies snap Sunday streak
The Colorado Rockies made the most of just three hits en route to a 5-3 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers, snapping a 17-game losing streak on Sundays that stretched back to April 17.
Two of the Rockies’ three hits were two-run home runs, which accounted for most of the scoring. After Mark Ellis produced the first Rockies hit with a one-out single in the first, Carlos Gonzalez hit the first of the two home runs to put the Rockies up 2-0. While the Dodgers were scoring single runs in the second, third and fourth innings to take a 3-2 lead, the Rockies were going quietly against Dodgers starter Chad Billingsley, producing just two more runners — both on walks — over the next five innings. In the seventh, Jason Giambi walked in front of Seth Smith, who hit the second of the two-run home runs and put the Rockies back on top 4-3.
The Rockies added an insurance run in the eighth with an Eric Young Jr. walk, a throwing error on a Dexter Fowler bunt, an intentional walk to Gonzalez and a sacrifice fly by Troy Tulowitzki.
In his third start for the Rockies, Kevin Millwood pick up his first win, allowing three runs on seven hits and and walking one in seven innings. Rex Brothers and Matt Belisle pitched a scoreless eighth, aided by a diving play from Chris Nelson, who robbed Matt Kemp of an extra-base hit on a hard grounder down the line. The play likely saved a run and kept the Rockies in front 4-3. Rafael Betancourt picked up his second save after allowing a single in the ninth to James Loney, who was 4-for-4.
The win was the first for the Rockies on a Sunday since they beat the Chicago Cubs 9-5 at Coors Field on April 17.
Now let’s sweep the stros and get back in this nl west race
It worked out well when EYjr led off the 8th with a walk and eventually scored, but can someone tell me why Tracy didn’t do a double switch in the top of the 8th when Brothers and Helton both came in and the pitcher’s spot was due up for the Rox in the bottom of the inning? Had he done this, Helton would have led off the inning.
I’m sure if you ask Tracy he’ll tell he wanted to have EY lead off instead of Helton.
Wow, they actually pulled it off. Hard to believe. Congrats to Millwood! I’m happy he got the win.
I didn’t make it today and will miss the series with the Astros. I really want to see White and Norris battle. I think it will be a good one.
Just a quick side note. There is some awesome bicycling happening in CO this week.
Damn, under ten games back with 34 to go. Well at least we have a glimmer of hope. SF has issues and Arizona is in uncharted waters. Next two weeks if not less than 5 back it’s over, but who knows…at least we can stay tuned.
Need to take care of the Astros. Once day at a time and one game at a time.
Doc keep wearing your glasses.
Go Rox
I guess it couldn’t continue forever. If the Rockies were even average on Sundays thet would still be in the NL West race. At least they held off the Dodgers for 3rd.
I think we found our ace next year, he has guts, knows how to pitch and is winner. Hang on to Millwood for next year he will lead just like Giambi has. Rotation 2012: Millwood, Chacin, White, Pomeranz, and Del La Rosa. Bullpen: Belisle, Betancourt, Brothers, Lindstrom, Street, and Matt Reynolds. On the bubble: Romero, Hammel, Nicasio, Rogers,and Escalona. Not too shabby. Now look who is knocking on the door Houston, Bettis, and Cabera. And the wild card is Joseph Gardner from the Cleveland trade.
Some tickets fell into my lap at the last minute yesterday. Besides being a pretty good game (amazing they scored 5 runs on just 3 hits), I couldn’t get over how many people were at the game. I haven’t seen a crowd that large since opening day. Denver loves their Rockies.
Thanks to the poster who told me how to use the water faucet sensor thingys in the restrooms. It worked like a champ. I even told another restroom patron who was struggling how to use them. I felt so proud.
BTW…
Ublowdo went just 3 innings yesterday. Here’s his line:
IP H R ER BB SO HR
3.1 9 8 8 3 4 2
I thought I heard that he topped out at 92mph on his fastball. How did he get so bad, so fast?
If Millwood can just get through a freaking game without giving up a long ball I’ll be happy. The guy is an HR throwing machine when he isn’t throwing legit strikes and making excellent back to the mound catches.
Rockies pitching has given up 3rd most HR in the NL, 2nd most total bases, 5th most walks and 3rd worst ERA.
Just not very good all around. As hard as it is too look at the offense at times, its the pitching that is holding the team back.
A blurb in the Denver Post reported that the Rox has the 2nd most runs scored in the NL since the break. Surprising huh? Problem is the inconsistency – 10 runs on one game them ten runs total over next four game.
Youre welcome Rocky. Feeling proud to give somebody a tip on how to start up the restroom fountains. After looking like an idiot for years swiping hands to no avail.
Rocky…
You may have been unaware that Sunday was the Rockies annual “Faith Day” game;
which includes a concert after the ball game by a popular Christian act.
(CASTING CROWNS this year)
“Faith Day” has been a top 10 draw, attendance wise, the past 3 years running.
Sunday’s crowd was the 4th largest of 2011.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m glad the Rox won the game and debated long about whether to post my thought.
Bottom of the sixth, down a run, no outs, speediest guy on the club on first, and a guy at the plate who can probably lay down a sac bunt, with Cargo and Tulo coming up.
The strategy is swing away? Result…ground out, followed by Cargo hitting into double play.
8th inning…not quite the same situation and JT decides to play small ball and we get two runs for the win.
Sorry, but the different logic defies me.
Thanks Marc, which also explains why people weren’t heading to the exits after the game like usual.