Rockies 4, Cubs 3 (boxscore)
I'm not used to this from the 2012 Colorado Rockies. They lost a game they absolutely should have won on Friday. Then they fell behind on Saturday 3-0, which is often times a sign the game is about to get ugly (especially away from Coors Field), but the Rockies bullpen held things in check, the defense held strong, and the bats provided just enough timely hits to complete the comeback.
Dare I say, they looked like winners.
Winning Players: The Bullpen... again. 5 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 1 BB, 4 K
The win goes to Carlos Torres, who pitched 2 1/3 scoreless at the piggyback reliever. Rex Brothers added a strong 1 1/3 and now has a scoreless streak of 7 1/3 innings over five appearances. Will Harris, who has served in the setup lately when Matt Belisle needs a day off, retired the only batter he faced to end the 8th. Rafael Betancourt was flawless in the 9th to earn his 26th save. Brilliance abounds in the bullpen right now.
Turning Point: Two big moments stand out for me.
The first, Josh Rutledge's pinch-hit, two-run homer in the 5th that got Colorado on the scoreboard and cut the deficit to 3-2.
The second came after the Rockies grabbed the lead in the 7th. The Cubs were putting together a little rally with runners on 1st and 2nd with two outs. For some unknown reason, manager Dale Sveum elected to put the double steal on at that point, and Wilin Rosario put the fire out with a strong throw to cut down the trail runner Joe Mather.
Huge play. And what makes it more impressive is that he dug out a ball in the dirt and still had the ability to make a good throw, and also had the presence of mind to throw to the correct spot. Very encouraging stuff from Rosario, who seems to be gaining confidence by the day behind the plate.
Very good point by one of the more knowlegeable Rockies and baseball fans on Twitter. I couldn't agree more.
Follow him @Stars5Steve.
Alex White's Line: 4 IP, 3 R (2 ER), 5 H, 1 BB, 4 K, 1 HR, 80 pitches (51 strikes)
Pretty much the standard Alex White outing, which highlights how little progress is being with these starters under a 75-pitch limit. What more can you add at this point other than White should be better than this by now.
Highlight of the Night: Another Rockie collects him first big league home run this season. This time, it's Andrew Brown... and it was a no-doubter.
What's Next: Series finale in Chicago tips off at 12:20 on Sunday. Jhoulys Chacin (1-3, 6.16) will make his second start since returning the DL. He'll be matched against a guy even Rockies fans have to feel bad for in Chris Volstad (0-9, 6.88).
More Rockies thoughts await you if you follow me on Twitter: @Townie813 & @HeavenHelton
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