The Rockies will go into the second game of a Sunday doubleheader with the Washington Nationals with a series win in their pocket and a chance to pick up what would certainly be a momentum-changing road sweep. After losing three straight in St. Louis earlier in the week, the Rockies ensured a series win against the NL East leading Nationals with a 10-6 victory that was far from easy.
Colorado knocked the ball around Nationals Park in the early game to the tune of 16 hits – five of the extra-base variety. The top of the Rockies’ order did the bulk of the damage against Nationals starter Erick Fedde (0-1, 15.75 ERA), who struggled in his MLB debut. The rookie lasted just 4.0 innings, allowing 10 hits and seven runs. Charlie Blackmon was 4-for-5 on the day with four singles and four runs scored; he also had a stolen base. Nolan Arenado and DJ LeMahieu each had three hits on the day, while Arenado mixed in a pair of walks to reach base all five times he came to the plate. Somehow he managed to never find his way to home plate, although he did have a pair of RBIs. Catcher Ryan Hanigan had a pair of RBIs on the day and Colorado was helped by a pair of unearned runs off a pair of Nationals errors.
While the offense put up double-digit runs, the pitching and defense didn’t necessarily make things easy. Starter Kyle Freeland (11-7, 3.71) allowed four runs (three earned) on nine hits over 5.0 innings. His unearned run came in part due to an uncharacteristic throwing error by Arenado. Wilmer Difo reached on Arenado’s error, then scored on a Ryan Zimmerman three-run home run. (Arenado made up for it later in the game with a beautiful over-the-shoulder catch in foul territory Anthony Rendon). Chris Rusin struck out two and walked one over 1.1 innings pitched. Pat Neshek allowed a solo home run in his 0.2 innings. Mike Dunn pitched a clean eighth, but Colorado really ran into trouble in the bottom of the ninth when Dunn loaded the bases with just one out.
Manager Bud Black called on his All-Star closer, Greg Holland to try and seal the win. Rendon lined a 3-2 single to right to narrow the margin, before Howie Kendrick hit into a game-ending double play. The play had to be reviewed, but ultimately broke Colorado’s way to seal the win and earn Holland his 33rd save of the year.
The win is No. 60 on the year for Colorado. It was the first road series win for the Rockies since they took three of four games from the Cubs in early June.
