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Colorado Rockies morning after: The big and historic 5-0 is reached

By Kevin Henry

DENVER, CO - JULY 5: Jon Gray #55 of the Colorado Rockies is congratulated by Alexi Amarista #2 and Charlie Blackmon #19 after hitting a 467-foot, two-run home run during the second inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Coors Field on July 5, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. The home run was the first of his career and the longest by a Rockies player this season. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - JULY 5: Jon Gray #55 of the Colorado Rockies is congratulated by Alexi Amarista #2 and Charlie Blackmon #19 after hitting a 467-foot, two-run home run during the second inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Coors Field on July 5, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. The home run was the first of his career and the longest by a Rockies player this season. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /
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Granted, it’s been a tough stretch in recent days for the Colorado Rockies. Let’s be honest, we’re now working on Day 18 since the team provided its fans with taco’s (yes, that’s the correct spelling, right Rockies Twitter?). That’s how tough it’s been lately.

However, lost in all of the grit and grime of the past few games, one number stands out after Colorado’s 5-3 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday night at Coors Field. That number is 50.

Colorado secured its 50th win of the season with Wednesday’s victory. It marks the fastest the Rockies have ever reached 50 wins. Ever. In franchise history. The Blake Street Bombers never did it. Neither did the Rocktober crew of 2007. In its 87th game, the 2017 Rockies can write themselves in the record books, reaching 50 wins faster than their 2010 and 1995 counterparts.

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That’s a big statistic to consider. Yes, the recent rash of games has been tough but Colorado currently sits in a position that plenty of Major League Baseball teams would gladly trade with them to get.

What did it take to get win number 50? Jon Gray blasting a 467-foot home run. Pat Valaika logging a career-high three hits, including a home run and single that produced a much-needed insurance run in the eighth. A bullpen holding Cincinnati scoreless after the last three innings, including a dicey ninth that saw Greg Holland record the last out after a hard comebacker to the mound.

Exhale, Rockies fans.

Colorado has four more games left before the All-Star break, including Thursday’s matinee against the Reds and a weekend series against the Chicago White Sox. Four more wins would look good on Colorado’s resume before four of its players head to Miami for the All-Star Game.

After all, 54 looks a lot better than 50, especially when you’re chasing two other teams in the division and a spot in the postseason.

Tyler Chatwood will get the start for the Rockies on Thursday afternoon. In seven home starts this season, Chatwood has a 6.39 ERA. Opponents are hitting .294 against him at Coors Field.

The road to 54 begins with the quest for 51 … and the quest for 51 will begin with Chatwood’s ability to keep the Reds off the scoreboard early and allow the Rockies to grab some quick momentum on what will be a very warm day in Denver.

Next: Why Gerardo Parra could be playing first base again soon

If past history is any indicator, it won’t be easy. However, nothing is easy when your team is struggling, including finally putting away Cincinnati for the 50th win of the season.

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