Rockies-Diamondbacks Recap

By Zach Cohn

Diamondbacks win series 2-1.

Game 1 – Diaomondbacks 4, Rockies 3
Win: David Hernandez (1-0)
Loss: Felipe Paulino (0-1)
Save: J.J. Putz (7)
The Gist: This was a game of missed opportunities for the Rockies, Two different runners were cut down at home trying to score from 3rd base on infield groundballs. Iannetta also came up with the bases juiced late in the game, and popped out to end the threat.

(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Pivotal Play: Justin Upton’s tie breaking bomb in the bottom of the 8th. Paulino fell behind in the count to Upton 3 and 0 and lofted a meatball out over the plate. Upton, with the green light all the way, deposited the fastball into the stands in right field, putting the D-backs up for good.

Final Thoughts: This looked like a road loss from years past for the Rockies. They played well and fought hard, but did not produce in the clutch. One errant pitch and one crucial swing ended up being the difference…De La Rosa had another strong pitching performance, further justifying the contract he signed in the off season…It was nice to see Cargo obliterate the baseball and hit a no-doubter…

Game 2 – Rockies 6, Diamondbacks 4
Win: Jhoulys Chacin (4-2)
Loss: Barry Enright (1-3)
Save: Huston Street (11)
The Gist: Chalk up another strong pitching performance for Chacin, going seven innings strong and picking up his fourth win. Good pitching, solid defense, and timely hitting is always a good recipe for success, and the Rockies all had three ingredients. Huston Street once again made it interesting, putting some runners on, but managed to pick up his league leading 11th save.

Pivotal Play: Iannetta’s two run bomb in the 3rd. Like fellow Blake Street blogger Logan Burdine mentioned, Iannetta is the best sub .200 hitter in the league, because of his propensity to hit impactful homerun’s. This 4-bagger put the Rockies up for good and provided Chacin with a comfortable lead.

Final Thoughts: Todd Helton hit his 534th double in this game to tie him with Lou Gehrig on the all time doubles list. Ever heard of Lou Gehrig? Apparently he was decent…Ladies and gentlemen, we have an Ian Stewart sighting. He was only 1 for 4, but he had key hit, scored a run, and drove one in. He also flashed a great glove at 3rd, recording a web gem… Tulo continues to stay quiet offensively of late. He put up a bagel in this game going 0 – 5.

(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Game 3 – Diamondbacks 3, Rockies 2
Win: David Hernandez (2 -0)
Loss: Matt Belisle (2-2)

The Gist: Street recorded his first blown save of the year. Huston Street is one of the best closers in the league. (He already has 11 saves). He can also be one of the shakiest too, which sounds counterintuitive, but seems to be the case. He has been playing with fire at times this year and he finally got burned, giving up two solo bombs in the ninth inning, losing the Rockies 2 run lead.

Pivotal Play: Justin Upton’s “duck fart” base hit that just fell under the outstretched glove of Seth Smith to plate Chris Young in the 11th. Nothing worse than a “duck fart” walk off happening in a game you probably should have won. (Duck fart is a term that also can be characterized as a weakly hit blooper that somehow finds a void in the outfield) Young had hit a double off the wall earlier in inning and scored easily for the victory.

Final Thoughts: Hammel continues to quietly go about his business, and he put forth another big league pitching performance. He pitched seven innings of shutout baseball…Cargo and his ridiculous catches continue to be a fixture in Sportscenter’s Top Ten Plays. In the late night edition of Sportscenter, Cargo’s Superman diving catch was #6, and his no-fear smash into the left field wall catch was #3. He might have another Gold Glove locked up already, and the season just started. That’s how foolish his D is….Diamondback reliever David Hernandez picked up both wins for the Diamondbacks in the series. That means he’s a good relief pitcher for Arizona with a 1.76 ERA. That also means the Rockies bullpen pretty much blew both games, and had a couple shaky performances. To look on the bright side, it also reflects consistent, strong starting pitching from the Rockies rotation.