Late-inning loss by bullpen ruins another Freeland start as offense stalls

It was the same sad story for the Colorado Rockies during a 5-2 loss to San Fransisco on Tuesday night.

Very good starting pitching. Offensive struggles. Bullpen blunders.

Kyle Freeland would not get the decision following his ninth quality start in twelve attempts, nor would his counterpart Drew Smyly.

Instead, the loss would go to the bullpen which were without three of its best relievers.

The starting lineup was certainly worthy of earning the “L” after 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position and leaving eight stranded.

Kevin Pillar was at the center of both runs for Colorado, drawing a walk to leadoff the sixth and stealing second base before Trevor Story singled and Charlie Blackmon hit one to the right side for the first score.

The next inning, Pillar came to the plate with Raimel Tapia on first base and two outs. Against his old club and former Chatfield High School LHP Tyler Rogers, the 31-year-old lashed a double into the corner to allow Tapia to score standing up and tie the game at 2-2 in the seventh.

Player of the Game: Freeland – 6 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 1 SO

Another game, another quality start for the Colorado Kid. Entering the game tied for third with 11 starts in MLB, not to mention his eight quality starts tied for second in the NL, Freeland continues to convert doubters into believers.

Two more double plays extended his Major League lead to 14 – next highest is Zack Wheeler with 11 – and even with a 2-to-1 ratio of ground outs to fly outs against San Francisco, he stayed in the top 5 for the category amongst all Senior Circuit starters.

Turning Point: Bud Black calls for Jairo Díaz

In a 2-2 ballgame – or 2-1 at the time he began to warm in the newly-constructed bullpen at Oracle Park – the Rockies’ skipper called upon Díaz and his 7.13 earned run average.

To be fair, the 29-year-old was coming off five scoreless outings (4.1 IP) and had lowered his ERA a full two runs going back to September 8.

In the other dugout, Giants’ manager Gabe Kapler pushed the button for pinch hitter Alex Dickerson and was rewarded with a solo home run that started a three-run inning from which Colorado would not rebound.

Defensive Gem: Robertson erases Hampson to start 7th

Two inning-ending double plays by Colorado – both coming during the two frames Freeland gave up a run – were crucial in keeping the club in the game before the offense came to life.

Down 2-1 in the seventh, Garrett Hampson slapped a line drive to left field and immediately got on his horse. Daniel Robertson made a strong beat on the ball and fired a rocket to cut down Hampson at second base for the first out.

Considering Tapia and Pillar recorded a single and double, respectively, soon after, this defensive stop was precisely what the Giants prescribed.

Diamond Details

• While Smyly has been a big leaguer since 2012, the well-traveled lefty had only appeared in 17 games with a National League squad. His lone career start against the Rockies dates back to 2016 when he was a member of Tampa Bay (5.0 IP, 5 ER).