One is just one without two. Two gives you something to build on. Three is what I call a real winning streak. The Rockies have their first real winning streak since April 15th thanks to eight shutout innings by Jhoulys Chacin and 17 hits on offense.
And somehow they only won by a single run. Is life ever easy for these guys?
Jhoulys Chacin: Life has been pretty easy for Chacin against LA this year. He's yet to allow a run to the Dodgers in his 15 innings against them. It's pretty special getting to see this kid continually develop his game and elevate his status not only on the Rockies staff, but in the entire National League. Hopefully that continues to the point where he can be considered for a nice honor next month.
Chad Billingsley: On the flip side, Billingsley's last two starts against the Rockies have resulted in new career highs in hits allowed. They got him for 11 hits back on May 30. Remember? The game where they had 14 hits overall and one plated run? Well, the Rockies topped that with 13 hits this time, and 17 overall. Six regulars recorded multi-hit games.
Carlos Gonzalez: CarGo led the way with four hits out of the lead-off spot. Yeah, that's not where he's going to stay, but Jim Tracy might have a really difficult time messing with this current formula. It shall be interesting to see when he decides to make the move.
Chris Nelson: That talk about Nelson being an AAAA player is dying down a bit. He's not a real polished defender, as we saw in the 9th inning, but he's a solid addition to the lineup to be sure. Where he is a month from now is anybody's guess, but I'm betting he's still hanging around in the two-hole.
Todd Helton: I'm out of adjectives. At 37, he's still the glue that holds it all together. I know, I've said that before. I'm really out of things to say.
Troy Tulowitzki: And now the home run swing is coming back. I think we're on the verge of something wonderful with Troy.
Seth Smith: Only one hit. It was probably the biggest hit of the game. A two-run single in the 5th.
Chris Iannetta: If Smith's wasn't the biggest hit, Iannetta's two-out RBI single in the 5th was. Either way, it's nice to see this balance. I didn't even mention Ty Wigginton's two hits. Sorry Ty.
Bullpen: Really rough night for Matt Belisle. Sure the Nelson error didn't help, but a six-run lead should never turn into a save situation for your closer. That led to Huston Street having to warm up quick and enter a tough spot. And then Street gets criticized because he gives up a couple soft hits. The Navarro defensive swing was an especially softly hit blooper that found a nice cozy spot just out of Tulo's reach.
I've already said I won't defend Huston Street anymore because it's pointless. If Mariano Rivera was the Rockies closer, people would complain endlessly about that too I'm sure. But it's silly to hold anything against Street in this one.
Winning streak: Let's make it four and get Jason Hammel a damn victory!
