The buzz around Rockies rookie Jeff Hoffman is getting louder and louder. You could hear it Friday night when he was scratched from a start at Triple-A Albuquerque, a move that foreshadowed his second call-up of the 2017 season. With Tyler Anderson officially on the shelf with left knee inflammation, Hoffman generated even more noise on Sunday when he hit the mound. Simply put, Hoffman was outstanding in a series-clinching victory over the San Diego Padres, 3-1, at Petco Park.
Not only was Sunday’s matchup with San Diego the rubber match of the three-game series, it was just that for the ninth and final meeting between these two teams this season. The two teams entered the game tied at four wins apiece. Thanks to Hoffman’s solid seven innings pitched, Colorado now has a winning record against every team in the National League West and a half-game lead over the Dodgers for first place in the division. Hoffman struck out nine, allowing just thee hits and one run – a solo home run – to pick up his third victory in as many starts with the Rockies in 2017. Jake McGee worked a perfect eighth inning, and Greg Holland picked up his league-leading 21st save.
It was Hoffman’s second consecutive start going seven innings and allowing one run on three hits. His nine strikeouts set a new career high. His ERA in three starts is an outstanding 2.36.
Despite leaving 11 men on base in the game, it was clutch hitting that delivered victory on the offensive side of the ball. Trevor Story and Tony Wolters each delivered for Colorado with two-out RBIs in the fourth inning to give Hoffman and the bullpen all the runs they’d need on the day. Story was one of three Rockies with multiple hits on the day, joining Charlie Blackmon and DJ LeMahieu.
The Rockies have the day off on Monday before hosting Cleveland for their shortest home stand of the year. The 2016 AL champs are in town for just two games on Tuesday and Wednesday before Colorado gets back on the road. The Rockies will face the 2016 world champs in Chicago for four games at Wrigley Field beginning on Thursday.
