Thursday’s First Pitch
By Editorial Staff
Leading Off
The Rockies looked great offensively again Wednesday night, racking up 13 hits, 11 of which were singles. The offense looked solid and though the team had two errors, both were on Jose Morales and both didn’t affect the outcome of the game. In fact, Morales threw out a Jason Bartlett trying to steal, which prevented him from scoring.
The Good
Jhoulys Chacin. He put up All-Star numbers, earning his eighth win on Wednesday. He allowed just three hits and one earned run in six innings of work. He also lowered his ERA to 2.81, best among NL West starters. If he’s not selected to pitch for the National League in the All-Star Game, it’ll be a crime. It’s worth mentioning newbie Charlie Blackmon had his first Major League three-hit game of the year.
The Bad
Jose Morales. He was good, but wasn’t great. He committed two errors, and though one of them came from getting hit on the hand by a foul ball, two errors in one game is never good. He threw out a potential base-stealer in the game, but overthrew first base.
The Ugly
The bullpen. Matt Lindstrom and Rafael Betancourt both allowed runs to cross the plate late in the game, and while it’s true it didn’t cost the team the game, your bullpen is there to protect your lead. They simply haven’t done that. Lindstrom has been unusually ineffective of late. It’s most likely not something that’ll last, but it isn’t comforting now.
Game MVP
Jhoulys Chacin: 6ip, 3h, 1r, 1er, 2bb, 7so, 97 pitches, 2.81 ERA
Charlie Blackmon: 3-4, 1r, 1 rbi, .343
On Deck
Today’s an off day, so in lieu of a Daily Matchup post, I’ll put something up about possible trade options for the Rockies come the trade deadline July 31st.