Arenado hits 41st home run, Bettis tosses gem in 4-1 win

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DENVER — It was an odd day at Coors Field, filled with packing boxes and end-of-year specials and a palpable sense that the 2016 season is coming quickly to an end. These games can be weird, where neither team has much more than pride left to play for, but the Colorado Rockies came out focused and got solid performances across the board in a 4-1 win over the Milwaukee Brewers.

The Rockies didn’t waste any time scoring two runs in the first on Nolan Arenado‘s NL-leading 41st home run of the season. The long line drive over the centerfield fence scored DJ LeMahieu who reached via fielder’s choice.

The home club got a third run in the second inning when Daniel Desclaso singled, moved up on a sac bunt from Chad Bettis, and came in on a single from Charlie Blackmon. It was the 80th RBI of the year for Blackmon which remains the top mark for leadoff hitters in the National League.

Arenado was back at it again, hitting his 35th double of the year (my, what a season) and scoring on a Nick Hundley single.

Milwaukee got on the board with a booming home run off the bat of Chris Carter, his 40th of the season in what has been a magical year for the youngster.

And that was all of the scoring.

Chad Bettis was fantastic for the third game in a row. He pitched 6.2 innings, giving up eight hits but just the one run on the solo shot from Carter. He walked three and struck out five, lowering his season ERA to 4.79.

Carlos Estevez worked 1.1 without allowing a hit, walking one and striking out one, earning his 11th hold of the year. Adam Ottavino worked a clean ninth with two strike outs, recording his seventh save of the year.

What’s Next

Game 2 of the series will take place tomorrow night. Jeff Hoffman will start in place of the fatigued Tyler Anderson, taking on Willy Peralta. First pitch at 6:10 MST.