Today the Colorado Rockies avoided hitting into several rally-killing double plays which enabled them to prevail 8-6 over San Diego on Justin Morneau’s 2-run walk off HR to the rock garden. Corey Dickerson had a 2-run homer to the opposite field and Tulo added a solo shot to the opposite field as well.
Juan Nicasio pitched like a typical #5 starter doing just enough to give the team a chance to win giving up four runs over six innings. Nazty had a two-run single preceding Dickerson’s homer in the four-run third inning to take charge of the game 4-1. The momentum swung in the Rockies’ favor at the top of the inning when they turned in a triple play that was aided by Seth Smith’s interference (stuck his arm out and tripped up D.J. LeMahieu as he made the throw to first base).
The Rockies took a 6-4 lead into the ninth inning. Walt Weiss mismanaged the game by going with closer LaTroy Hawkins who has been hit around a little bit instead of Boone Logan to face a left-handed hitter leading off the inning. Guess what happens? A double off the wall by Will Venable to get the rally started. Two batters later, Everth Cabrerra launches a game tying home run to even it up at 6-6. It was Hawkins’ first blown save of the season.
Agbayani’s man, Nick Massett came on in the tenth inning to lock down the Friars on just five pitches. In the bottom of the inning with CarGo on first base, Morneau ended the Padres’ hope of stealing this series. It was Nick Massett’s first win since 2011. It is time for Weiss to think about trading the roles between Massett and Hawkins. Colorado remains unbeaten in series play at Coors Field while improving their overall record to 25-20. They remain three games back of the San Francisco Giants. They are coming to Coors Field for a three-game set Tuesday. It will be extremely difficult to sweep the Giants especially with our worst pitcher, Frankie Mo going against their ace, Madison Bumgarner. But Michael Cuddyer is expected to be activated on Tuesday and stabilize the second spot in the batting order.
Nice writeup, RMH. First series of the year that I basically sat out — getting near summer, other things to do, etc. I like the idea of Masset as closer in waiting. Why Frankie on Tuesday? With 3 off days in one week it was a perfect opportunity to skip a Frankie or Nicasio start … or both.
It’s interesting to me the Giants skipped (more or less) Hudson due to a VERY minor hip issue (he threw a 70 pitch BP instead – good grief!) to set them up with Bumgarner, Cain, and Hudson for the series. They’re “all in” for this series.
I’ve felt since ST that this team will not make the playoffs with Hawkins as closer.Set up man maybe-not as closer all year,he is fair from invincible.
You propose a chicken and egg scenario. The Rockies won’t change their closer unless he blows several games. If he blows several games the Rockies won’t be in contention.
This is only 1 blown save. Don’t over analyze it.
Random thoughts from the weekend: Gary – I totally agree with you. Hawk is a great addition to the Pen (and the clubhouse), but is not a playoff Closer. However, It’s been a disaster for Closers all across baseball so far this year. Hawk’s very minor implosions don’t even register on the radar when compared to what some of the “big” name guys have done so far. The injury parade continues unabated. Votto and Abreu out – although both appear… Read more »
A blurb in the Denver Post thinks it will be Chris Martin that will be optioned when Cuddyer is activated. Right now we have 8 relievers.
I agree Hawk is not playoff closer, but I still think he’s being pushed around a tad bit too much for my comfort zone that I think Massett should be given a shot with his velocity and command. And WW needs to mix and match in 9th inning more.
A bit off topic – a question about Rooftop party deck. We will be going to the game Wednesday night. We normally eat dinner somewhere at Subway or Sports Column before the game. But I’m thinking about trying a dinner at Rooftop. I keep seeing ads saying to buy tickets for Rooftop – does that mean you have to buy Rooftop tickets to see both the game and use of Rooftop? Or is my regular game ticket good for admission… Read more »
You can go right up with your regular ticket and it’s super-cool. I ate at CHUBurger and thought it was excellent. I know it’s easy for “hard core” fans to make fun of peripheral stuff like this (I know I do)…..but it’s a genius idea. I highly recommend getting a burger and a beer, finding a place to have a seat, and then watch the $$$$$ being made and begin dreaming of Free Agent aquisitions! 🙂
Little surprised that rmh’s wife let him write this after her having to live with him after the Hawkins gopher ball 🙂 A weird game from start to finish. But a win is a win. I am not counting this as a bullpen win since the pen blew it first. So we are still 1-7 in bullpen games. Nicasio is just perplexing, but somehow we win many of his starts at home. How he only gave up 4 runs is… Read more »
The G-men are surprisingly good offensively this year (although they’re now without the very good Brandon Belt). Keeping 8 relievers might not be a bad idea for this series. Manage it like it’s playoff baseball. If they’re going to option Martin (and I’m not saying they are)…….they should hold on activating Cuddyer until at least Wednesday (get through Tuesday’s game and use Martin if necessary).
We’ll know soon enough.