Helton Hangover: Rockies Lose To Diamondbacks

Kyle Terada – USA Today Sports

Quite an emotional 24 hours for Rockies fans after the official announcement of Todd Helton‘s retirement that will begin in just twelve more games. A let down from a team playing spoiler was probably expected. The pitching matchup featured Jhoulys Chacin(13-8) vs. Randall Delgado (4-6).

Chacin was not himself, giving up six runs in just four innings. The only thing that was normal for Chacin was the high pitch count: 84 in the appearance. All of Diamondbacks’ first baseman Paul Goldschmidt‘s five RBIs were driven in against Chacin. The Colorado bullpen did not fare any better. Both Jeff Manship and Wilton Lopez, the team leader in appearances, pitched two innings, and each gave up a run.

The Rockies bats struggled to match. Only two runs crossed the plate for Colorado, courtesy of a Charlie Culberson two-run-home-run. Struggling bats could be greatly credited to Delgado. The 23-year-old was acquired from the Braves last winter in the same deal that sent Justin Upton to Atlanta. Delgado pitched six innings and gave up just the two runs. The Arizona bullpen, like Colorado’s, matched its starters performance. Four relievers joined to pitch for three scoreless innings. The Rockies only managed to go 0-3 w/RISP, which is not so bad until you count up the eight Colorado hits in the game.

More proof of the effect of the “Toddfather’s” retirement. Troy Tulowitzki committed a fourth inning error that led to two unearned runs. Next season marks the first year since 1997 that Helton will not be the opening day first baseman and hopefully the team will see a flash of next season’s leadership and knock a few contenders out of the playoffs with just four more series remaining. Also a longshot, but possible, the Rockies are already four games ahead of last season’s win total and still have a chance to finish above .500 on the season. Although going 9-3 in the last 12 games is not likely, there remains something for Rockies fans to hope for.