Rock Solid Recrap: Rockies Settle For The Predictable Doubleheader Split

Before you go any further, check out the Game 1 Recap. That was the good one. 

Pirates 5, Rockies 1 (boxscore)

What Went Wrong: Plain and simply, the offense stunk today. They were lucky to scratch out the win in Game 1 behind the wheels of Eric Young Jr. and the arms of Juan Nicasio and Esmil Rogers, and they followed that up with another feeble effort in Game 2 against Charlie Morton. That's not to mention getting nothing last night other the CarGo home runs.

I know this Pittsburgh staff has pitched lights out so far, but man, the Rockies offense has to find a ways to put pressure on the opposition. The Pirates offense is lousy to be sure, but at no point in this series were they ever in danger of being put out of the game. That made life easier on manager Clint Hurdle in terms of handling his pitchers, and it allowed their bats to peck, peck, peck, in search of one or two big hits, not three or four.

That's a BIG difference for them.

That's a BAD series loss for the Rockies.

Turning Point: This is easy. What should have been two harmless flyball outs to end fifth inning in a scoreless tie, ended up breaking the game open for Pittsburgh as Carlos Gonzalez lost both of them in the sun. The unlucky — He was wearing sunglasses! Not good ones, but still  — misplays would lead directly to Pittsburgh's first two runs. Garrett Jones and Pedro Alvarez then followed with back-to-back home runs, sealing the W for Morton.

Jhoulys Chacin's Line: 5 IP, 5 ER, 8 H, 2 BB, 5 K, 2 HR, 98 pitches (62 strikes)

It's unfortunate all of the runs charged to Chacin were earned (the lost balls in the sun are not errors), but it's not like he was sharp today, either, so don't feel too bad.

His often times shaky command was just that in the early going, which led to tight rope acts in the first two innings. To his credit, he impressively pitched out of both — including a 2nd and 3rd, no outs situation in the second — but you just had that feeling the entire way that the floodgates could open at a moment's notice. That's exactly how it played out, although it's ironic that he was throwing his best as that disaster fifth inning — Yes, even the home run balls were tough pitches — played out.

It was a really weird outing now that I think about it and reread that last paragraph. It almost doesn't make sense, yet it makes total sense. Kinda like Rockies baseball for the past two decades.

Highlight of the Night: This is also very easy.

Watch Ramon Hernandez go dead central on Morton

Screengrab of the Game

Carlos Gonzalez would have preferred this start time. (MLB.TV)

What's Next: The Rockies get a day to relax at home before welcoming the New York Mets to Coors Field this weekend. Friday's opener is scheduled for a 6:40 first pitch, and will see Drew Pomeranz take the mound for Colorado. I've yet to see an official starter listed for New York, so we'll wait to see what surprise they come up with.

Final Thoughts: I think we covered it pretty well. Let's relax right along with the Rockies, maybe find time for a nap or to shop for new sunglasses, and then get after those Mets on Friday.

More Rockies thoughts await you if you follow me on Twitter: @Townie813 & @HeavenHelton