Andrew McCutchen homers three times in Pirates 9-4 win over Rockies

Denver – Jorge De La Rosa gave up three runs in the first inning including surrendering the first of three home runs for Andrew McCutchen on Tuesday night. The Colorado Rockies starter was pulled after three innings.

Christian Bergman was pitching admirably in relief until McCutcchen got him too, and a game the Rockies once made close was en route to becoming a 9-4 drubbing. The Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder came into the game with only three hits on the season and even sat out last night, something you don’t often see hitters of his caliber do when coming to Coors Field.

Anyone who has seen him play new the slump wouldn’t last long and he broke out in a huge, five RBI performance, perhaps most impressively spreading his three blasts to left, center, and right field.

Nolan Arenado hit his eighth home run of the season in the fourth inning off of Pirates pitcher Gerrit Cole.

Ben Paulsen recorded two hits and scored twice, bringing his season average to .326.

Turning Point

McCutchen’s three-run shot in the sixth pretty much sealed it. He also hit three home runs  against the Nationals on August 1, 2009.

Lasting Impact

It’s time to talk about Jorge De La Rosa. He was pulled after two innings in Cincinnati and just three Tuesday against Pittsburgh. He has lost 2-3 mph on his fastball and although he is still getting strikeouts, he is getting hit hard at a record pace for him. He is either not healthy, or showing signs of rapid decline.

What’s Next

Jon Gray takes the ball in his second start of the year against Pirates lefty Jonathan Niese. Battle of the Jons. Start time 6:40 MST.