BATTER UP! – Rockies struggle for wins in final weeks

The Rockies, still short-handed in the pitching department, dropped 5 of 6 games on the road last week. They were swept by the Dodgers and dropped 2 of 3 games to the San Diego Padres. Their record now stands at 60 wins and 84 losses with only 14 games left in the season.

Despite the final outcome, there were several impressive pitching performances. Chi Chi Gonzalez held the Dodgers to 2 runs through 6.1 innings. Gonzalez, who was sidelined for most of two seasons recovering from Tommy John surgery, was hoping to earn his first win since 2015. But it was not to be, as his bullpen backup surrendered 4 runs in a 5 – 3 loss.

In Friday night’s lone 3 – 2 win over the Padres, Time Melville settled in allowing the 2 runs on 5 hits in 5.2 innings. It was Tim’s second win in four appearances with a solid 3.66 ERA in 19.2 innings.

Jeff Hoffman held the Padres to 3 runs in 5.2 innings in Saturday’s game but the Rockies hitters were unable to score against the Padres ace Joey Lucchesi in what would be a 3 – 0 shutout.

Young Peter Lambert bounced back from a rough start against the Dodgers on Monday to limit the Padres to 1 run in 5 innings against the Padres on Sunday. The game went into the 10^th inning tied 1 – 1 when reliever Jesus Tinoco walked two batters, then allowed a game-winning RBI single to Padres veteran Wil Meyers.

Let’s face it, with the Rockies primary pitchers either unavailable or unreliable, the club is conducting a trial by fire for its best minor league prospects as management looks ahead to what will be needed to build a winner in 2020. In addition, the Rockies have brought in some experienced hurlers from outside their system to shore up the bullpen. Joe Harvey is an impressive 27-year old acquired from the Yankees at the July 31^st deadline. Wes Parsons was picked up on waivers from the Atlanta Braves on August 19. Their talents will be added to those of Bryan Shaw, Carlos Estevez and Jairo Diaz as the Rockies try to build a group that can protect their improving starters in the late innings. 

The Rockies are back home again this week facing a tough 3-game series with the St. Louis Cardinals who lead the Central Division by 4.5 games. On the weekend, the Rockies will host their final season series with the San Diego Padres.

btgalloway@villagerpublishing.com