Colorado Rockies: 6 Things to Know as the Homestand Begins

After the Colorado Rockies wrapped up their six-game road trip with a 5-3 win over the Washington Nationals on Sunday afternoon, it was time to take a look at some interesting statistics and notes. Plenty has happened since the Rockies left town last Sunday. Let’s investigate some things you should know before Monday’s nine-game homestand opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The struggle is real

Since having a 54-53 record on Aug. 3, the Rockies have dropped 15 of the past 23 games, posting a 5.76 ERA, allowing 130 earned runs in 203 innings.

On the road over that stretch, Colorado is 3-8. On the mound, the Rockies have posted a 5.81 ERA (60 earned runs in 93 innings) away from home since August 10. The starters are 1-6 with a 6.04 ERA (37 earned runs in 55.1 innings), while relievers are 2-2 with a 5.56 ERA (23 earned runs in 37.2 innings).

The struggle is real, Part 2

It’s a pretty simple equation: When the Rockies do well on the mound, they do well in the standings. There has been only one month this season when Colorado pitchers has a cumulative ERA below 4.00. Yep, it was July, when the Rockies turned their season around and boosted themselves into the Wild Card discussion.

More from Rox Pile

Take a look below at Colorado’s pitching by month this season…

April 11-12 5.50

May 13-15 4.82

June 13-14 5.17

July 15-12 3.76

August 10-15 5.50

Welcome to the show

Infielder-outfielder Stephen Cardullo made his Major League debut Friday at Washington. He is one of eight Rockies to debut this season. In addition to Cardullo, the list of newcomers includes pitchers Tyler Anderson, Matt Carasiti, Carlos Estevez and Jeff Hoffman, catcher Tony Wolters, shortstop Trevor Story and outfielder David Dahl.

The world is upside down

Colorado is the only team in MLB with a positive run differential (+12) and a losing record (62-68).

Nolan being Nolan

Despite Colorado’s recent struggles, Nolan Arenado has been heating up as August winds to a close.

Arenado became the first Colorado player since Matt Holliday (2006-07) to have consecutive seasons with 30 or more home runs and 100 or more RBI. Also, according to the Elias, Nolan Arenado is the first National Player to reach 100 RBI first in consecutive seasons (2015-2016) since Carlos Lee in 2007 and 2008.

He also left Washington on Sunday in fine fashion, going 4-for-4 at the plate and blasting his 35th home run of the season.

Bring Washington back

Don’t blame DJ LeMahieu if he’s disappointed that the Rockies and Nationals won’t square off again until 2017. Take a look at what the All-Star second baseman has done this season against Washington pitching, as well as how he’s fared against the Nationals in his career.

Next: Let's Talk About Ryan McMahon and the Rockies

This year

LeMahieu .571 average (12-for-21), 1 homer, 3 RBI

Career

LeMahieu .384 (33-for-86), 3 homers, 12 RBI