Colorado Rockies: CarGo, Arenado Worthy All-Stars

Tonight was the annual MLB All-Star Game. The American League beat the National League 4-2. The Colorado Rockies two participants, Carlos Gonzalez and Nolan Arenado, generally played well when they were called upon except for Arenado grounding into a double play to end the game.

In a beautiful night in San Diego which was the perfect showcase for MLB, the AL pitching did enough in key situations to eke out the win and earn home field advantage once more in the World Series. The NL left a mammoth 10 men on base, which cost them the contest. The Colorado Rockies players each had multiple opportunities to hit.

CarGo mashed the ball both times in his two at-bats, hitting a single in his first attempt up the middle but unfortunately he was later thrown out at second on a fielders choice.

In his second at-bat, he smoked a liner but it went straight to the second baseman where he had two men on.

Sound familiar?

He finished 1-2 after being replaced by Adam Duvall in the fifth.

Nolan Arenado entered the game in the fifth inning as a defensive replacement. His first at-bat was a fielders choice to third. He went to third on a Wil Myers double but he was left at third after a Wilson Ramos strikeout to end the inning.

In his second at-bat, he struck out swinging on a Dellin Betances 100 mph heater up with a runner stranded at second.

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Then he got one last chance at the top of the 9th but he grounded into a double play. He seemed to forget how many outs there were as he didn’t run hard to first and looked surprised to see the throw relayed to first. He finished 0-3 with a strikeout.

So what did we learn?

Both CarGo and Arenado are deserving All-Stars

Though neither of them blew up the game, it was great to see them represent the Rockies. Arenado is the best third baseman in baseball and CarGo is having a good year after a slow start. Though the team is struggling at 40-48, it is nice to see their efforts being recognized around baseball.

Arenado’s defense is still special

Arenado made a dazzling play in the bottom of the 7th when he made a great short hop pickup and threw in the same motion to second base to throw out Robinson Cano. We know how good Arenado is in the field, but the FOX announcers even gave him credit for his fielding.

It was probably the first time all season they even watched him play.

American League won the game early

The AL got to NL starter Johnny Cueto early. Kansas City Royals players Eric Hosmer and Salvador Perez both scorched big home runs against him, which gave the AL a 3-1 lead in the 2nd inning and the NL could never recover.

Next: Colorado Rockies: Analyzing the Second-Half Rotation

Next Game

The Rockies return from the All-Star break with a Friday night game against the Atlanta Braves in Atlanta (5.35 MT start).