Philadelphia Phillies at Colorado Rockies: Rox Fall, Still Win Series

After winning 4-3 on Friday and 8-5 on Saturday, the Colorado Rockies took the field on Sunday looking for a sweep against the struggling Philadelphia Phillies. Unfortunately, closer Greg Holland blew only his second save of the season as the Rox dropped the final game, 3-2.

The Phillies picked up a double and a single to start the top of the ninth inning. They trailed the game 2-1, but had runners on the corners and a golden opportunity to seize the game from Rockies closer Greg Holland.

Holland induced a ground ball from Hyun Soo Kim that went to shortstop Trevor Story. Story was able to throw home to get the first out of the inning and preserve the Rockies lead. Although the Phillies had runners on first and second, it appeared like the Rockies All-Star closer would be able to shut the door on Philadelphia’s chances.

Unfortunately, Cameron Rupp was the next batter and hit a sharp double towards center field that gave the Phillies their first lead of the day, 3-2. Holland was then pulled from the game, after blowing his second save all year, but his 34 converted saves still lead the Majors.

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Hector Neris came into the game for the Phillies in the bottom of the ninth inning and promptly gave up a lead-off single to Story. After a lineout to right field and a strikeout, the Rockies were down to their final out. A pinch-hitting Jonathan Lucroy picked up a walk to give the Rox hope, but Charlie Blackmon grounded out to first base to end the game.

The Rockies got a great seven innings out of Jeff Hoffman, allowing just one run on four hits while striking out eight. The only run he gave up came on a solo homer to left center in the top of the second inning.

The Rox scored their runs on a Nolan Arenado single in the bottom of the first inning and a Blackmon double in the bottom of the seventh inning. Blackmon finished the day with three hits, while Arenado finished the day with two to extend his hit streak to eight games.

Next: Why a potential Game 163 needs to be at Coors Field

After an off day on Monday, the Rockies will be off to Cleveland to start a three-game series at 5:05 p.m. (Mountain time) on Tuesday. The matchup will feature German Marquez (9-4, 4.11 ERA) against Corey Kluber (9-3, 2.77 ERA).