For the first six innings I thought I would be writing the exact same recap I wrote last night, only fill in Jeff Francis' name where Ubaldo's was, because truth be told, the Rockies looked like a dead ass offensive team for that period of time.
Thankfully it never came to that. Now I can provide you with completely fresh
The Rockies were a different team when they came to bat in the 7th. Or maybe Jon Niese just hit a wall. Whatever the case, the Rockies looked liked a team that realized this particular game was pretty significant.
The 7th started with singles by Troy Tulowitzki and Melvin Mora. Spilborghs moved the runners to 2nd & 3rd with a chopper to David Wright. Chris Iannetta followed with one of the key ABs of the game. It was a 9-pitch AB that began 0-2, was eventually worked to 3-2 after spoiling some tough pitches, and concluded with a sac fly to dead CF.
Great AB. That would be all the Rockies would get that frame, but it was something. All this team needed at that point was something, anything to build on.
The 8th began with a Seth Smith strikeout and a solid Dexter Fowler AB where he just missed a double, but eventually grounded out.
Survival Mode: On
And these are the guys you're paying to do exactly what they do right here.
- Todd Helton: 2-out, 2-strike single to right. That's why he's Todd Helton.
- Carlos Gonzalez: Now here's the AB I really thought was exceptional. Gonzalez -- who rarely walks, has a tendency to press at times in these spots -- works a walk. Very solid approach.
- Troy Tulowitzki: After a wild pitch is intentionally walked. Respect.
Melvin Mora
Wins you a baseball game with one swing. (Highlight)
I wish the highlight showed the entire AB, because that's how a professional hitter handles his business. He just wanted to extend the AB long enough to get that one pitch he could drive. There was no guarantee he would do anything with the pitch if he got it, but the key was to stay alive to get a pitch where he wanted it.
He got it.
He didn't miss it.
A walk and two singles later, the Rockies would have a 5 run inning and would ride Betancourt and Street to the 6-2 victory.
Matt Belisle got a well deserved victory after striking out the side in the 7th. Jeff Francis deserved his name in the win column as well, but you know what? Who cares, as long as it's a Rockies name in the W column. We all know Jeff did his job.
Tomorrow
Jason Hammel vs. Johan Santana
I think we can look forward to some more Melvin Mora ABs and an appearance by Jason Giambi.
Also... Hammel needs to be good here. Really good.
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