Rockies Drop Series to Reds Despite Home Run Derby

Rockies 5, Reds 7

What have we learned today kids? Great American Ballpark is as much of a hitter-friendly park as Coors Field, but we already knew that. We also learned today that it doesn’t matter how many home runs you hit, if your pitcher is worse than their pitcher you still lose.

The Rockies’ issues with scoring runners on base came through loud and clear today, as they launched five solo shots into the stands at GABP but failed to produce a hit, or even a productive out, with a man on. Not to discount those homers – one each by Troy Tulowitzki, Dexter Fowler, and Michael Cuddyer and two by Carlos Gonzalez – but they didn’t add up to a win because  they were all we had. And the pitching wasn’t exactly up to snuff either.

Jamie Moyer brings poise and professionalism to the mound, but the fact is that his best days are behind him, and the Rockies’ efforts to rehabilitate aging flyball pitchers just aren’t working. I have nothing but respect for Moyer, and appreciation for the good outings he’s put in for us. It wasn’t enough this time out. As the ball flew out of the park for both sides, Moyer gave up fewer home runs – 4 to Latos’s 5 – but more runs overall (7). It’s not rocket science, people.

Without those homers, though, Moyer might have been all right. He also got 3 double play groundballs and only walked 1. Those numbers are better than what our pitchers usually manage. And he kept his pitch count low – 79 in 5 innings. Bullpen-happy Jim Tracy didn’t let him get any further than that.

As for that pen, they did what they’ve done quite well of late, which is keep the other team from scoring any more runs than the starter allowed. Josh Roenicke, Adam Ottavino, and Matt Reynolds pitched three scoreless innings to keep things fretting any worse.

I don’t have much else to say about this game. Pitching continues to be a problem. Hitting could be worse, but situational hitting probably couldn’t be.  At least we didn’t get swept. It’s the little things.

The Rockies play a day-night doubleheader tomorrow to begin a 4-game series against the Astros at home.