Rock Solid Recap: Let's Take Two

Did you know doubleheaders are split 74.8% of the time?

Those odds, the Rockies inability to win two games in a row in what seems like years, and the return of a previously struggling Jason Hammel from the DL, would seem to add up in favor of the Washington Nationals.

But that's why odds, stats and momentum mean little in terms of an individual baseball game.

Rockies 4, Nationals 3

Winning Player: Jason Hammel 7 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 0 BB, 7 K.

That's the very definition of rock solid.

I'm sure Jim Tracy would have been satisfied with five good innings from Jason. He must be overjoyed that he got seven.

You may have noticed I emphasized and highlighted the zero walks. Man, that's so important for Jason. Limiting that extra traffic and keeping his pitch count down are two KEY contributors to his success. If we could get this we saw guy tonight about 66-75% of the time, the Rockies rotation becomes very strong, because you're not counting on him as more than a 4th or 5th starter.

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Lineup Card: DH Game 2 vs Washington

I'm a baseball player at heart, which makes me very superstitious.  Therefore, there will be no Running Thoughts for the nightcap of the doubleheader.  Why change anything?  The Rockies were as crisp and on their game in Game 1 as we've seen them all season.  Maybe they don't need (or want) me critiquing their every move.

Rockies Lineup

• CF Gonzalez
• LF Smith
• RF Hawpe
• SS Tulowitzki
• 1B Helton
• 3B Stewart
• 2B Barmes
• C  Phillips
• P   Hammel

Kind of strange to have just one change (Paul Phillips) in the second half of a doubleheader, even if it's a split doubleheader. Jason Hammel makes his return.  EY Jr. officially placed on the DL.

Update: I'm a goof.  Todd Helton starting at first is different than Game 1.  So two changes.  

Nationals Lineup

• CF Morgan
• LF Harris
• 3B Zimmerman
• 1B Dunn
• 2B Guzman
• RF Bernadina
• SS Desmond
• C   Nieves
• P   Atilano

There's nothing overly special about Luis Atilano, nor is there anything about his stuff that makes me nervous about the Rockies offense tonight.  As long as they made him work a little, hopefully get a little pressure on him early, they should be able to provide Hammel with some much needed run support.

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Rock Solid Recap: Another Day At The Office

Rockies 6, Nationals 2


Winning Player: Ubaldo Jimenez

The machine just keeps pumping out quality starts and victories for the good guys.

The Nationals did have a handful of good swings on Ubaldo. Ryan Zimmerman was 3-for-3 with an RBI double. Adam Dunn become the first player to homer off Jimenez in 2010 -- and the 29th man to reach the upper deck at Coors Field (highlight). But Ubaldo did what an ace should do -- he shutdown all the guys surrounding their big boppers.

His league best ERA now stands at 1.12.

Losing pitcher LIvan Hernandez saw his league second best ERA fall to 1.46. He's 4-2 and in line for Comeback Player of the Year honors if this continues.

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Lineup Card DH Game 1 vs Washington

Well, at least no one got hurt yesterday.

I'm actually pleased to report that I mowed the lawn yesterday wearing a Rockies hat and didn't injure myself.  That could be a sign of good things to come.

Here are the lineups for Game 1.  Due to scheduling conflicts there will be no Running Thoughts of Game 1.

Rockies Lineup

• CF Gonzalez
• LF Smith
• RF Hawpe
• SS Tulowitzki
• 1B Giambi
• C  Olivo
• 3B Stewart 
• 2B Barmes
• P   Jimenez

Nationals Lineup

• CF Morgan
• 2B Kennedy
• 1B Dunn
• 3B Zimmerman
• LF Harris
• C   Rodriguez
• RF Bernadina
• SS Desmond
• P   Hernandez

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