Rock Solid Recap: Rockies Settle In After Wild 1st To Beat Padres

Rockies 7, Padres 4 (boxscore)

Winning Players: Carlos Gonzalez & Chris Nelson

The Rockies got a monster performance from their lone all-star in this one. Gonzalez finished the night 4-for-5 (all 4 singles) at the plate and two stolen bases, which makes him the first Rockie ever to have three consecutive 20-20 (home run-stolen bases) seasons. That's kind of a big deal.

Nelson also had a spectacular offensive night, including a home run, double, single, two RBIs and one run scored. And then he flashed a little leather later on to rob Alexi Amarista of a sure hit. Big, big night for Nelly.

Watch Nelson's big blast

Honorable Mentions: Wilin Rosario (two-run 1st inning double) and Jordan Pacheco (two-run 1st inning double). Obviously both played a huge role in the five-run 1st inning that held up as the difference in the game.

Turning Point: I think I'm going to go back to Nelson's home run here. Yes, the Rockies scored five in the first, which ended up being enough, but the Padres did respond to that with four of their own in the bottom half. I think it was important after that for the Rockies to be the next team to score, and thanks to Nelson's home run in the 3rd, they were.

Also in consideration was Tyler Chatwood and Matt Reynolds stranding Cameron Maybin after his lead-off triple in the 4th.

Tyler Chatwood's Line: 3 2/3 IP, 4 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 4 K, 1 HR, 72 pitches (44 strikes)

I don't care what the pitch limit might be at this time, when your offense gives you five runs in the 1st inning, you better find a way to last five and get a win. What a lost opportunity for to Chatwood to do not only that, but find a little more confidence and consistency as well. Disappointing outing.

Bullpen's Line: 5 1/3 IP, 0 R, 3 H, 2 BB, 6 K

Another heavy workload and another job well done by the Rockies bullpen. Reynolds did the dirty work by helping Chatwood escape the 4th. Guillermo Moscoso then did the heavy lifting with 1 2/3 scoreless, which earned him the win. Rex Brothers, Matt Belisle and Rafael Betancourt with one scoreless inning each.

Highlight of the Night: Welcome to the home run column, Charlie Blackmon.

Watch Charlie go YARD at Petco

What's Next: The Rockies definitely had some fun on Friday (I even had fun watching them). They'll try to have a little more on Saturday at 6:35. Drew Pomeranz (1-8, 4.80), who must be doing cartwheels after reading the information you'll see posted below, will start for Colorado. Rookie Casey Kelly (1-1, 7.07) goes for the Padres.

Final Thoughts:

Press will meet w Geivett tonight. Being told Rockies will expand pitch counts for pitchers from 75 next season. More traditional
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) September 14, 2012

Rox will use 5 man rotation w 3 piggybacks. Pitch count increases from 75. Will be case by case but closer to 90-100
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) September 15, 2012

The closest thing to a sane decision we've seen from Rockies management this season. Not that there's a real reason to celebrate that fact. Obviously, I'd prefer they just scrap the piggyback system all together and rejoin the big leagues, but at least at 90-100 pitches you've giving guys a chance to breathe and stretch out and maybe even honest evaluations can be made.

It's not perfect. I'm not even sure it's acceptable. I'll take it for now and hope more sanity begins creeping into the braintrust over the winter.

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