Rock Solid RECAP: Don't call it a turnaround!

No, really, don't call it that. 

Rockies 4, Astros 2 (13) (boxscore)

But do call it a victory!

Wait, that's what it's called when you score more than your opponent, right?

Or a win. That's fine.

Here's what you need to know about how the Rockies snapped their embarrassing nine-game losing streak.

-- Jason Hammel pitched VERY well in his return to the rotation. 7 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K. That's encouraging for a couple reasons.

#1 - There's a really good chance we're going to need him in that rotation to start next season. Unless the Rockies sign or trade for a couple starters, or Jorge De La Rosa and Juan Nicasio not only recover ahead of schedule, but also prove themselves to be effective, Hammel will have to start games in April.

#2 - Personally, I think it says a lot about Hammel's makeup to understand he was struggling, to accept the demotion to the bullpen, and then to take full advantage of the first opportunity he received to prove he still belongs in the Rockies rotation. I don't care who it came against. We can't be too picky given all the garbage we've seen this season. We just have to accept the positive results and give him a pat on the back.

-- The bullpen was also sensational. Matt Belisle, Rex Brothers, Matt Lindstrom, J.C. Romero, Edgmer Escalona, Matt Reynolds, Rafael Betancourt, Gabe White, Steve Reed, Darren Holmes and Aquilino Lopez combined for six shutout innings, allowing only three hits.

Way to push those buttons, Jim Tracy. I mean it!

I'd like to once again single out Edgmer Escalona. I'm very impressed with how this kid goes about his business. No, he's not as good as the numbers indicate. But you know what? Who cares? He's showing up for work every day. He's not taking his job for granted. And I really hope he's given a fair chance to make this team next season. Just give him the chance. That seems to be all he needs.

-- Eric Young and Dexter Fowler both stole a base.

-- The Rockies offense had another light night with the bats (5 hits). However, they did create opportunities for themselves with nine walks. In particular, Mark Ellis, Dexter Fower and Chris Iannetta, who each walked twice, and Chris Nelson, whose walk with the bases loaded gave the Rockies the lead.

Nice job.

Final Thought

We won! We seriously won! I just wrote an entirely positive Recap!