Rock Solid Recap: Rockies Outfield Hits The Home Run Cycle In 13-5 Win

Rockies 13, Astros 5 (boxscore)

Winning Players: Carlos Gonzalez, Dexter Fowler and Michael Cuddyer

The Rockies Outfield combined to go 7-for-13 with FIVE home runs, 11 RBI, 6 R, and 2 BB tonight. 

Good. Lord. 

Carlos Gonzalez hit three of those home runs (two solos and a two-run shot). Not a one of them had a single bit of doubt, either, unless you factor in the welfare of the people or objects in the path of his destruction. 

Watch CarGo's First Home Run

Watch CarGo's Second Home Run

Watch CarGo's Third Home Run 

You know how hot Dexter Fowler is right now? The baseball is exploding off his bat with nearly the same ferocity as Carlos Gonzalez's. Seriously. Of course I fully acknowledge that nobody hits the ball harder than Cargo when he's locked in (see above highlights), but Dexter is coming as close as anyone I can remember since CarGo arrived.

Watch Dexter Fowler's three-run homer

And to complete the home run cycle — well, actually this came in the 1st, I'm out of order — Michael Cuddyer delivered the Grand Slam.

Indeed the offense is answering the challenge right now. How long they can sustain a stretch this hot is now the question, and it's about to become more difficult if Troy Tulowitzki (strained left groin) needs a DL stint.

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Rock Solid Recrap: The End Nears For Jamie Moyer

Reds 7, Rockies 5 (boxscore)

What Went Wrong: Too many solo home runs. It's weird to say that, but the Rockies only had five hits today and every last one of them was a solo homer. The homers themselves are always good to see, don't get me wrong, but it wouldn't hurt to mix it up a little bit on this homestand.

Turning Point: You'd have to say Brandon Phillips' three-run home in the 3rd. It was the only non-solo roundtripper in the game, and as you can see from the score, the two extra runs made the difference.

Jamie Moyer's Line: 5 IP, 7 ER, 7 H, 1 BB, 2 K, 4 HR, 79 pitches (49 strikes)

As we've said several times over the weekend, the Great American Ballpark is a pitcher's worst nightmare. Today that nightmare reached ridiculous levels of absurdity as the teams combined to hit nine home runs. Four of those came off Moyer — including one where Todd Frazier lost the grip of his bat, tossed it 60 feet, didn't finish his swing, and the baseball still traveled 370 feet. I've never seen anything like it.

Given those conditions and circumstances, it's difficult to come down too harshly on Moyer for this specific game, but the fact remains he offers no upside currently, and he's certainly not going to be helping out in 2013. The Rockies will be much better off recalling (and sticking with) Drew Pomeranz ASAP.

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Lineup Card: Rockies @ Reds 5-27-12

Saturday's Recrap: Another Disappointing Outing For Jeremy Guthrie

Lineups

Colorado Rockies (17-28)

1. Eric Young Jr. (CF)
2. Marco Scutaro (2B)
3. Carlos Gonzalez (LF)
4. Troy Tulowtzki (SS)
5. Jason Giambi (1B)
6. Michael Cuddyer (RF)
7. Jordan Pacheco (3B)
8. Wilin Rosario (C)
9. Jamie Moyer (P)

Sunday lineup grade: B

Cincinnati Reds (26-20)

1. Zack Cozart (SS)
2. Drew Stubbs (CF)
3. Joey Votto (1B)
4. Brandon Phillips (2B)
5. Jay Bruce (RF)
6. Ryan Ludwick (LF)
7. Todd Frazier (3B)
8. Ryan Hanigan (C)
9. Mat Latos (P)

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

Rock Solid Recrap: Still 121 Chances To Write A Perfect Recrap

Marlins 7, Rockies 4 (boxscore)

What Went Wrong: The Rockies scored four runs in the first thanks to four consecutive hits. Jordan Pacheco and Carlos Gonzalez both singled. Michael Cuddyer cracked a two-run double off the left field wall. Troy Tulowitzki crushed a two-run homer over the left field wall.

They didn't record their next hit until the 8th inning.

It was a truly futile offensive performance that included a five-pitch 3rd inning, an eight-pitch 4th, and a nine-pitch 6th. It's like they got their hits out of the way early and then flushed the gameplan down the toilet, or they had no gameplan and got lucky in the 1st.

Just pathetic.

Turning Point: Well, aside from the offense disappearing, the game-changing moments came in the 4th inning. That's where Mark Buerhle doubled hard off the right field fence (missed a homer by three feet). Jose Reyes followed that with a single to center that Dexter Fowler overran, allowing Buehrle to score from second.

Then things completely unraveled as Moyer walked Hanley Ramirez and Austin Kearns ahead of a Giancarlo Stanton Grand Slam.

4-1 lead to game over in the a matter of six hitters.

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Lineup Card: Rockies @ Marlins 5-21-12

Sunday's Recrap: Rockies Swept For Third Straight Weekend

Note: I got so excited about by Nolasco-Nicasio line last night that I moved the pitching matchup ahead by a day. Tonight's pitching matchup is actually Jamie Moyer (2-3, 4.20) vs Mark Buehrle (3-4, 3.17). I swear I'm starting to blog like the Rockies run the bases. Unacceptable!

Lineups

Colorado Rockies (15-25)

1. Marco Scutaro (2B)
2. Jordan Pacheco (3B)
3. Carlos Gonzalez (LF)
4. Michael Cuddyer (RF)
5. Troy Tulowitzki (SS)
6. Todd Helton (1B)
7. Ramon Hernandez (C)
8. Dexter Fowler (CF)
9. Jamie Moyer (P)

So Michael Cuddyer is the Rockies new cleanup hitter (for now), with Troy Tulowitzki and Todd Helton each moving down one spot. I'm fine with that. They have to find offense somehow, and having Jordan Pacheco, Carlos Gonzalez and Cuddyer (three hits Sunday) hitting right together might be their best bet for the immediate future (next six hours). Now if we could only get Dexter Fowler back in that mix at the top, because love him or doubt him, he's giving the Rockies good, productive ABs. 

Miami Marlins (22-19)

1. Jose Reyes (SS)
2. Bryan Petersen (CF)
3. Hanley Ramirez (SS)
4. Austin Kearns (LF)
5. Giancarlo Stanton (RF)
6. Logan Morrison (1B)
7. John Buck (C)
8. Donnie Murphy (2B)
9. Mark Buehrle (P)

Of all of the kicks in the guts Rockies fans have received over the years, the one that still stands out to me is Donnie Murphy going opposite field on Huston Street to walk-off on the Rockies in July 2010. It's like a nightmare. And then to see his name in their lineup tonight. I can't take this. He's not supposed to be it anyone's lineup. He's awful.

But he won't be tonight. Just watch.

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

Rock Solid Recap: Nine Innings. No Complaints.

Rockies 6, Diamondbacks 1 (boxscore)

A Rockies baseball game took place tonight and I have nothing to complain about.

Not a managerial decision. Not a mental lapse on the bases. Not a lack of hustle (though I could reach for a couple if I wanted). Not even a blown call by an umpire.

Nothing.

The Rockies brought it in every phase of the game for nine complete innings. They never once made life easy for Arizona. Not even for one pitch or one batter, and they were rewarded with an easy 6-1 victory.

It's all sounds so basic. Like something silly to get excited about. But the Rockies just don't play enough games like this. It's almost stunning when they do. They've been on the losing end of them repeatedly, but unless they're in the middle of some unconscious month long run to October, these only pop up occasionally.

I'll certainly take it, though, and pull for many more just like it.

Winning Player: Jamie Moyer

I stated going in that it felt like Moyer needed a solid outing tonight to reestablish himself in the rotation. He responded like a guy that's been in this spot a time or ten in his 26-year career. He responded like a guy that really wants to stay where he is. He responded with a beauty.

Jamie Moyer's Line: 6 1/3 IP, 1 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 5 K, 98 pitches (56 strikes)

I think the line speaks for itself. But not only did Moyer need this, I think Jim Tracy really needed it. After last night's debacle, a night away from making stressful decisions was surely welcomed.

The bullpen also obviously needed this with only Josh Roenicke (1 2/3 scoreless) and Esmil Rogers (perfect 9th) used to close it out. Credit to those guys because now the Rockies core relievers will be fresh for Thursday afternoon.

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Lineup Card: Rockies vs D-Backs 5-16-12

Tuesday's Recap: Marco Scutaro Helps Rockies Escape San Francisco With Unexpected Split

Lineups

Colorado Rockies (14-21)

1. Marco Scutaro (2B)
2. Tyler Colvin (RF)
3. Carlos Gonzalez (LF)
4. Troy Tulowitzki (SS)
5. Michael Cuddyer (1B)
6. Wilin Rosario (C)
7. Jordan Pacheco (3B)
8. Dexter Fowler (CF)
9. Jamie Moyer (P)

Troy Tulowitzki is a go again tonight after looking awfully sore and limited last night. Meanwhile, Todd Helton gets his routine mid-week day off with Michael Cuddyer moving in to play first and Tyler Colvin sliding over to right. Also, Jordan Pacheco is safe. 

Arizona Diamondbacks (16-21)

1. A.J. Pollock (CF)
2. Aaron Hill (2B)
3. Justin Upton (RF)
4. Jason Kubel (LF)
5. Paul Goldschmidt (1B)
6. Ryan Roberts (3B)
7. John McDonald (SS)
8. Henry Blanco (C)
9. Patrick Corbin (P)

It's hard to believe the Diamondbacks are struggling almost as much as the Rockies. I haven't been watching them close enough to know exactly what their problems are — well, aside from missing Chris Young — but this appears to be a chance for the Rockies to string some wins together. 

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

Rock Solid Recrap: Rockies Can't Solve Chris Capuano Or Dodger Stadium

Dodgers 7, Rockies 3 (boxscore)

What Went Wrong: It's Dodger Stadium. When was the last time something went right for the Rockies at Dodger Stadium?

Exactly.

And while I understand Chris Capuano has been effective so far this season, he's still Chris Capuano. One run on four hits in seven innings against him simply will not cut it for a Major League offense.

Turning Point: I would say this game turned the second Colorado let Mark Ellis walk over the winter, because just like his namesake A.J. Ellis, Mark has quickly turned into a certified Rockies Killer (Hairston Brother Level).

So there you go.

Tonight, Ellis blasted a 1st inning solo home run (1st of the season), added a flyball that Dexter Fowler misread into a two-out, two-run double in the 5th that pushed their lead to 4-0, and walked in his final plate appearance. Expect more of the same annoying production all weekend.

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Lineup Card: Rockies @ Dodgers 5-11-12

Wednesday's Recap: Christian Friedrich Shines In Big League Debut

Lineups

Colorado Rockies (13-17)

1. Marco Scutaro (2B)
2. Jordan Pacheco (3B)
3. Carlos Gonzalez (LF)
4. Troy Tulowitzki (SS)
5. Todd Helton (1B)
6. Michael Cuddyer (RF)
7. Ramon Hernandez (C)
8. Dexter Fowler (CF)
9. Jamie Moyer (P)

This appears to be Jim Tracy's A lineup for this week, so enjoy it tonight and possibly tomorrow, but look for something completely different on Sunday and stayed tuned on Monday for Tracy's new A lineup.

Los Angeles Dodgers (20-11)

1. Dee Gordon (SS)
2. Mark Ellis (2B)
3. Matt Kemp (CF)
4. Andre Ethier (RF)
5. Bobby Abreu (LF)
6. Juan Uribe (3B)
7. James Loney (1B)
8. Matt Treanor (C)
9. Chris Capuano (P)

Jerry Hairston Jr. was placed on the DL today, so the Rockies will avoid that headache this weekend. Of course that just opens the door for Juan Uribe, who has also been a thorn in their side since leaving the organization a few years ago. But hey, at least they'll only see half of the dreaded Ellis duo tonight.

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

Rock Solid Recrap: Pitching Continues Circling The Drain

First are foremost, my thoughts are with the fan who was struck by Tyler Pastornicky's foul ball during tonight's game. That was a really, really scary incident. Hopefully the reports we hear continue to be positive. 

Braves 13, Rockies 9 (boxscore)

What Went Wrong: There's a reason I listed flawed and frustrating ahead of fun when describing the Rockies the other day. The current starting rotation is flawed to the point of giving Colorado absolutely no chance 3 1/2 times out of five. Just a miserable, embarrassing mess. And we're already seeing the wear and tear that's taken on the bullpen leading to awful results in the later innings, almost to the point of total predictability.

Yes, everybody knew coming in that this possibility existed, but not to the point we've seen over the past 10 days. This is a quagmire. A total cesspool of incompetence on several levels.

Point at Bob Apodaca. Point at Dan O'Dowd. Point at Jim Tracy. Point at Esmil Rogers, Edgmer Escalona, Guillermo Moscoso, Jhoulys Chacin, Rex Brothers, Jeremy Guthrie's bike.

Point at everybody and everything. You won't be wrong. And assuming things continue as they are (or at least close to it), a lot of those names — player or otherwise — will soon be erased from the Rockies official roster.

They'll have no choice. You can't continue fielding a pitching staff that has 4-5 big league arms at best. You can't continue making excuses for those who field that roster, fail to provide depth, or fail to mold those fringe arms into usable talent.

To quote Jim Tracy... "You just can't."

Oh, and did I mention you can also point at the awful defense? How about four more errors tonight — Troy Tulowitzki, Carlos Gonzalez, Esmil Rogers and Tyler Colvin. That should keep their spot as the worst defensive team in baseball pretty secure.

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Lineup Card: Rockies vs Braves 5-5-12

Friday's Recrap: Colorado Springs Shuttle Gaining Occupants

Rockies Roster Moves

Recalled: INF/C Jordan Pacheco and RHP Adam Ottavino (to occupy a spot in the bullpen for a couple days)

Optioned: RHP Guillermo Moscoso (Because duh)

Bereavement List: OF Eric Young Jr. (We send our best wishes to EY at this time) 

Lineups 

Colorado Rockies (12-13)

1. Marco Scutaro (2B)
2. Dexter Fowler (CF)
3. Carlos Gonzalez (LF)
4. Troy Tulowitzki (SS)
5. Todd Helton (1B)
6. Michael Cuddyer (RF)
7. Wilin Rosario (C)
8. Chris Nelson (3B)
9. Jamie Moyer (P)

Wilin Rosario and Chris Nelson get starts tonight against left-hander Mike Minor. That means Dexter Fowler moves back up to the second spot in the order.

Atlanta Braves (16-11)

1. Michael Bourn (CF)
2. Chipper Jones (3B)
3. Freddie Freeman (1B)
4. Brian McCann (C)
5. Dan Uggla (2B)
6. Matt Diaz (RF)
7. Jason Heyward (RF)
8. Tyler Pastornicky (SS)
9. Mike Minor (P)

This is an even tougher lineup tonight for Jamie Moyer to deal with after the additions of Matt Diaz and impressive rookie Tyler Pastornicky.

After last night's miserable outing from Guillermo Moscoso, coupled with the game going a couple extra frames, there's pressure on Moyer to again to go at least six innings against this starting nine. If I were a betting man, I'd unfortunately have to take the under. 

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

Rock Solid Recrap: Rockies Still Can't Hit Santana, Drop Series Despite Late Heroics (Manning Face Included)

Mets 6, Rockies 5 in 11 (boxscore)

What Went Wrong: First and foremost, the Rockies can't figure out Johan Santana.

How bad has it been?

Well, in 22 career innings against them — spanning three starts — his ERA remains a perfect 0.00 (with no unearned runs scored either). And I have to be honest, I don't know that they've had more than five or six runners reach second base in those outings. He simply overwhelms and overpowers them, and the only saving grace today was that Terry Collins pulled him after six to help ease his workload. Otherwise, you'd probably be tacking another inning or two on that total.

Also bad? How about 1-for-11 with RISP (mostly late). That one of course being Todd Helton's pinch-hit grand slam in the eighth inning. That, and the first four hitters in New York's lineup killed them again (10-for-21, 3 RBI, 4 Runs, 3 walks). They simply could not find an answer for any of those guys all weekend.

Turning Point: The Rockies had come off the deck to tie the game twice when Michael Cuddyer and Ramon Hernandez stepped up with a chance to put New York away in the tenth (winning run was on second). Unfortunately, neither could deliver Troy Tulowitzki home — Cuddyer struck out, Hernandez popped out — and the game continued on. The Mets would then scratch another run across against Matt Belisle in eleventh and the Rockies would go down 1-2-3 to end it.

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Lineup Card: Rockies vs Mets 4-29-12

Saturday Night's Recrap: Elusive Third Outs Haunt Rockies In Loss

Lineups

Colorado Rockies (10-10)

1. Marco Scutaro (2B)
2. Dexter Fowler (CF)
3. Carlos Gonzalez (LF)
4. Troy Tulowitzki (SS)
5. Michael Cuddyer (RF)
6. Jason Giambi (1B)
7. Ramon Hernandez (C)
8. Chris Nelson (3B)
9. Jamie Moyer (P)

One week after feebly explaining his Sunday lineups, it appears Jim Tracy may have learned more from the fans than we learned from him. And I don't think anyone will appreciate that more than Jamie Moyer.

New York Mets (12-9)

1. Kirk Nieuwenhuis (CF)
2. Ruben Tejada (SS)
3. Daniel Murphy (2B)
4. David Wright (3B)
5. Lucas Duda (1B)
6. Scott Hairston (LF)
7. Ike Davis (1B)
8. Josh Thole (C)
9. Johan Santana (P)

That's the same lineup that drove Guillermo Moscoso crazy last night. Here's hoping Moyer has an easier time finishing them off.

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

Rock Solid Recrap: Rockies Killer B's Kill Rockies

Pirates 5, Rockies 4 (boxscores)

This one stings... probably more than an April game in Pittsburgh should sting, but the Rockies had this one in their grasp for 90% of the evening and just couldn't finish it off. And coming in front of tomorrow's doubleheader, the sting only intensifies. As I said earlier today, it's difficult to sweep those things, so a series win just became increasingly less likely.

Not impossible, mind you, but less likely.

What Went Wrong:  Whenever there's a devastating late inning loss, you know the bullpen played a part in it somehow. It's unavoidable, and tonight's unfortunate goats were the recently struggling Rex Brothers (0 outs recorded, 2 runs, 1 smoked double, 1 blooped double and 1 walk in the 7th) and the usually reliable Matt Belisle (2/3 IP, 1 Clint Barmes home run, 1 painful error of his own leading to 1 unearned game-winning run in the 8th).

Each man was working with a one-run lead thanks to a Carlos Gonzalez two-run homer, so their margin for error was little. And as you can tell, neither had anything resembling their best stuff tonight, so both leads quickly vanished.

Thankfully, not a lot gets to Matt Belisle, so you can count on him to bounce back in his next outing. As for Brothers, it's been a struggle for the past 3-4 outings, so his immediate outlook is a little shakier.

Maybe a lesser role is in order until he can locate his filthy stuff again and gain back some confidence he's surely lost in his two most recent outings. The Rockies are absolutely going to need him, so he's not going anywhere. It doesn't matter how down on him fans are right now, he's the most talented arm they have in the bullpen and the most important. They need to get him on track.

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Rock Solid Recap: Jamie Moyer Earns His Place In The History Book

Rockies 5, Padres 3 (boxscore)

Winning Player: Jamie Moyer

I must say, we've been a part of some really cool moments over the years as Colorado Rockies fans, and Jamie Moyer's victory tonight — making him the oldest pitcher in baseball history to enter the win column — rates right up there among the coolest.

I say that, first and foremost, because the perseverance and mental toughness it takes to endure elbow reconstruction at the age 48 to continue living your dream, and to continue competing at the highest level of professional baseball is off the charts. It's extraordinary. You can't not respect or appreciate that.

But what makes it even cooler is that the now 49-year-old Moyer wasn't just out there competing tonight, he was out there taking ownership of this baseball game.

I've said before that Moyer isn't a pitcher that can win you a game with just his arm. Well, tonight, I sit corrected, because that's exactly what he did. He was the guy setting the tone early. He was the guy picking up his teammates. He was the best Rockie on that baseball field, and there was no question about that the entire time he was working.

It was special to watch. And I hope his staff mates were paying close attention, because he set quite an example for them. Even on nights when you don't have "it" (great stuff/bad day/whatever) you can still challenge major league hitters and get them out if you believe you can do it.

Believe you me, Jamie Moyer still believes whole-heartedly that he can do it.

Tonight, he proved that he can do it.

Tonight, he earned his place in the history books.

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Lineup Card: Rockies vs Padres 4-17-12

Colorado Rockies (4-6)

1. Marco Scutaro (2B)
2. Dexter Fowler (CF)
3. Carlos Gonzalez (LF)
4. Troy Tulowitzki (SS)
5. Todd Helton (1B)
6. Michael Cuddyer (RF)
7. Wilin Rosario (C)
8. Chris Nelson (3B)
9. Jamie Moyer (P)

Few things of note today.

1. Welcome back Carlos Gonzalez.

2. Wilin Rosario gets his second straight start with Jamie Moyer after those two showed good chemistry towards the end of spring training.

3. Needing a fresh arm in the bullpen, Colorado recalled Edgmer Escalona today and optioned out Tyler Chatwood. So now when Jamie Moyer gives you the expected 5-6 innings tonight, you're comfortable with it.

San Diego Padres (3-8)

1. Cameron Maybin (CF)
2. Mark Kotsay (LF)
3. Chase Headley (3B)
4. Jesus Guzman (1B)
5. Nick Hundley (C)
6. Chris Denorfia (RF)
7. Andy Parrino (2B)
8. Jason Bartlett (SS)
9. Anthony Bass (P)

Yesterday's Recrap: Monday is the new Sunday

Rock Solid Recrap: Rockies Regress After Historic Performance

Giants 4, Rockies 2 (boxscore)

What Went Wrong: Death, taxes, and no-hit bids against the Rockies offense one day after they seemingly break out of a funk. Regardless of the lineup over the past three years, we can always counts on that. 

Today, Madison Bumgarner carried his bid into the sixth. That's where Tyler Colvin, who had just entered the game as part of a double switch, led off with a lefty on lefty single — played into a triple by Melky Cabrera — and eventually scored the Rockies first run. Colvin also had a 13-pitch at-bat (flyout) in the eighth and a 5-pitch, bases loaded walk in the ninth, making him the Rockies best offensive player essentially on an off day. That's a problem in and of itself.

The Rockies also had another critical defensive lapse in this game. Allow me to expand on that one. 

Turning Point: Dexter Fowler's error.

That's right, Drifting Dexter dropped a routine flyball — leading to two unearned runs (check out the final score) — just days after Casual CarGo dropped one in the home opener — leading to three unearned runs.

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Lineup Card: Rockies vs Giants 4-12-12

Colorado Rockies (2-3)

1. Marco Scutaro (2B)
2. Dexter Fowler (CF)
3. Carlos Gonzalez (LF)
4. Troy Tulowitzki (SS)
5. Michael Cuddyer (RF)
6. Wilin Rosario (C)
7. Jordan Pacheco (1B)
8. Chris Nelson (3B)
9. Jamie Moyer (P)

San Francisco Giants (1-4)

1. Angel Pagan (CF)
2. Melky Cabrera (LF)
3. Pablo Sandoval (3B)
4. Buster Posey (C)
5. Brett Pill (1B)
6. Nate Schierholtz (RF)
7. Ryan Theriot (2B)
8. Brandon Crawford (SS)
9. Madison Bumgarner (P)

Note: I will not be watching this afternoon's game live as it happens, so today's recap will be delayed a few hours. Be sure to check back later tonight.

In fact, while you're waiting, why not go back and read the recap of last night's awesome victory again... and again.

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

Rock Solid Recrap: Rockies Offer Little Support For Jamie Moyer

Astros 7, Rockies 3 (boxscore)

Rockies fans search for offense in Houston.

What Went Wrong: Well, for one thing, the Rockies offense simply couldn't figure out Lucas Harrell.

Yeah, that Lucas Harrell. The one you've never heard of.

In his seven innings of work, the Rockies managed only three hits against the 26-year-old right-hander, while striking out four times. So if we're going to make an official list of unknown or really bad pitchers that the Rockies inexplicably struggle against in 2012, that list is going to start on April 7 with the name of Lucas Harrell.

In addition to an inept offense, the Rockies committed three official errors behind Jamie Moyer, with several other sloppy misplays on both sides of the field interspersed throughout.

Read more about them starting... now.

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Lineup Card: Rockies @ Astros 4-7-12

Colorado Rockies (1-0)

1. Marco Scutaro (2B)
2. Dexter Fowler (CF)
3. Carlos Gonzalez (LF)
4. Troy Tulowitzki (SS)
5. Todd Helton (1B)
6. Michael Cuddyer (RF)
7. Ramon Hernandez (C)
8. Chris Nelson (3B)
9. Jamie Moyer (P)

The same lineup two days in a row? Against both a left-handed and right-hander pitcher? Is Jim Tracy feeling well? 

According to Troy Renck we can expect to see both Jordan Pacheco and Wilin Rosario starting on Sunday. Wouldn't shock me if we also saw Tyler Colvin and/or Jason Giambi in there against Bud Norris. 

Houston Astros (0-1)

1. Jordan Schafer (CF)
2. Brian Bixler (2B)
3. J.D. Martinez (LF)
4. Carlos Lee (1B)
5. Chris Johnson (3B)
6. Brian Bogusevic (RF)
7. Chris Snyder (C)
8. Marwin Gonzalez (SS)
9. Lucas Harrell (P)

This is the mostly right-handed version of the worst lineup in the National League. It's an excellent opponent for Jamie Moyer to start off against as he seeks to become the oldest winning pitcher in MLB history.

Links

— Eric Young Jr. talks about his critical eighth inning steal and the Houdini act that followed. Denver Post

— David Martin looks at the impact Dan O'Dowd's offseason acquisitions had in the Opening Day victory. Rockies Review

— Our friend Frank (@druidlove) checked in with his first official blog post of the 2012. As always, an interesting perspective from one of the Rockies most loyal fans and customers. Rox Blox

— How Ubaldo's suspension turned into a joke. Dave Krieger

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