In case you haven't heard, both of those things are difficult to do. Especially the losing to Chris Volstad part. He hadn't won since July 10, 2011 — a span of 24 starts and 413 days.
Cubs 5, Rockies 0 (boxscore)
What Went Wrong: It's not just that they lost to Chris Volstad, it's that they were pretty much dominated by Chris Volstad. The Rockies only managed three hits (and three walks) against him in 6 2/3 innings. Their first runner in scoring position didn't come until the 7th. Just a forgettable effort offensively. Rain delay or not (which delayed the start of the game by more than two hours), they have to come out ready to play and be more productive against a guy barely hanging on to a major league career.
Turning Point: None really. Unless you want to consider the delay itself a turning point since the Rockies mentally checked out and never checked back in.
Jhoulys Chacin's Line: 5 IP, 1 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 3 K, 77 pitches (47 strikes)
From what I saw and heard (bits and pieces while he was in) he was pounding the strike zone and didn't get hit all that hard. Maybe a few too many flyballs mixed in there if you wanted to nitpick, but it would be impossible to not be encouraged by his first two outings. Now let's see what start #3 brings this week.
Highlight of the Afternoon: Certainly nothing from an offensive standpoint. But how about that throw by Carlos Gonzalez.
After a great day defensively on Saturday, Wilin Rosario struggled at times in the wet conditions on Sunday. Case in point, the inability to handle thaat throw (which ended up as an error on CarGo). Then 4-5 pitches later he couldn't knock one down in the dirt and threw wildly to Will Harris covering the plate.
It's a process, folks. It's a process. Must take the good with the bad to get somewhere.
What's Next: The Rockies head home after a highly (and unusually) successful road trip. Who will be waiting for them in Denver? None other than the free-spending Los Angeles Dodgers. Yes, Adrian Gonzalez is back to being a Rockies murderer, and we'll also be the first team to see Josh Beckett (5-11, 5.23) wearing blue on the hill. He'll go against Jeff Francis (4-4, 5.79), which makes this a rematch from Game 1 of the 2007 World Series.
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