Colorado Rockies defeat Minnesota Twins behind home runs

The Colorado Rockies believe they still have time to be contenders in 2014. That is nonsense, in all likelihood. But what the Rockies might be is a candidate for a quick turnaround in 2015. We know by now that teams look far different from one season to the next. If you believe that the Rockies’ core problem in 2014 is injuries, then there might be legitimate cause for hope in the short term.

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I am not at all sold that is the case, but that possibility gives us reason to cheer for Rockies’ wins in a season that is most likely a lost cause. Each series win provides a glimmer of hope, however tiny, that there might be a good baseball team somewhere on this roster when everybody is healthy. On Friday night the Rockies defeated the Twins 6-2, a victory that hopefully sets up a series win at home.

Like the Rockies, the Twins are a team that has struggled for much of the season. They entered this weekend playing solid baseball, however, as they had just won three out of four games on the road against the Seattle Mariners.

The Home Runs

Drew Stubbs hit a two-run shot in the first inning. It was his 10th home run of the season. Brandon Barnes pitched in a solo shot that was not an inside-the-park home run, and Troy Tulowitzki launched an opposite field shot for his 21st of the season.

The Starting Pitcher

Jorge De La Rosa reminded us once again why we love having him in a Rockies’ uniform so much. For a team that always has its fingers crossed that they will simply receive competent pitching from their starter, De La Rosa is the only guy who consistently delivers. On this night he was the prototype of what the Rockies want their starters to be: 6 IP, 6 H, 1 BB, 1 ER, and 3 K’s.

Spectacular it is not, but it is a reminder that De La Rosa is exactly the kind of pitcher the Rockies need on so many nights that he pitches. He set up a decisive victory, one in which we can appreciate how tough this Rockies lineup can be. And for all the miserable nights watching the Rockies, it sure feels good to watch a solid win and be happy about it.

If pitcher wins are your thing, De La Rosa is now a 10-game winner on the season. Considering the bullpen behind him and the fact that we have not even reached the All-Star break, that’s a nice accomplishment.

What’s Next

You know what the Rockies should do when they face Kevin Correia at home? Score 10 runs, that’s what. Tyler Matzek will start opposite Correia in a game that sets up nicely for the Rockies…hopefully.