Rockies one-run record undone, Phillies evade sweep in extras

The Colorado Rockies scored all seven runs last night in the third inning. They scored five of their eight runs on Tuesday night in the fourth inning. Most of this series with the Philadelphia Phillies has been won on the back of big innings, surrounded by a ton of goose eggs. So what happens when the big inning doesn’t come? Well today we found out.

Phillies pitcher Vince Velasquez set down seven Rockies in his five innings. Phillies relievers picked up right where “Doble-V” left off, adding another three. The only scoring came from Trevor Story’s solo shot to lead off the fourth.

This game would not have even been competitive if it were not for Tyler Anderson. Anderson struck out seven in as many innings, while allowing six hits and two walks. His only true blemish was serving up a home run to Tommy Joseph with the bases empty in the seventh.

The tie on the scoreboard was maintained by Adam Ottavino, Chris Rusin, and Jake McGee. However, a cold Rockies offense, featuring Mark Reynolds leaving five runners on base in his 0-for-four performance, prolonged the pitcher’s duel. Scott Oberg was called on to pitch the eleventh. Michael Saunders pulled one straight down the right field line for a double. Tommy Joseph’s blooper to short center field right after sealed the Philly victory.

The Rockies were pretty successful on this road trip and today was a getaway game. These are not games the Rockies are expected to win. But this series was filled with scoreless innings. The offense had produced to this point, but not at all in a consistent manner. They still had something to prove today, and failed to allay these concerns.

Thankfully, the day after a getaway day is the beginning of a home stand. The St. Louis Cardinals and their so-called best fans baseball will populate Coors field for a three game set. Tomorrow night, at 6:40 Mountain Time, April NL Rookie of the Month Antonio Senzatela takes the mound. He will be matched by the always dangerous Carlos Martinez. Senzatela is coming off his worst MLB start to date, and Rockies faithful should be paying close attention to how he bounces back.

Other Notes:

• Carlos Gonzalez has extended his hit streak to eight games
• After failing to record a quality start in six April opportunities, Anderson has achieved the feat in all four May starts. Four of TA’s five games with 7+ strikeouts have also come in May.
• It took Velasquez 94 pitches to get through five innings
• Story has seen three walks in his first two games off the DL