Colorado Rockies morning after: 3 surprising heroes of Wednesday’s win

It may be August but we seem to still be learning things about this Colorado Rockies team and what certain players can bring to the table. Yes, even those players who have been questioned and subjected to some pretty rough analysis in recent weeks.

On a sunny Wednesday afternoon in Cleveland, the Rockies showed their heart, grit and determination to grab a 3-2, 12-inning win over the Indians. The victory gave the Rockies a split of the two-game series at Progressive Field and earned them their third win in four tries this season against the defending American League champions.

After losing a heartbreaker in the ninth inning on Tuesday night, the Rockies needed this win. How did it happen? Look back through the game and see who made some key contributions when it mattered most.

Carlos Gonzalez, struggling to a .228 average this season, lined a one-out single to center in the ninth inning to give the Rockies the tying run on base it so desperately needed. The next batter, Jonathan Lucroy, roped an RBI double to right-center that scored the hustling CarGo all the way from first, knotting the game at 2-2.

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Carlos Estevez, entering the game in the 10^th inning with an 8.10 ERA, didn’t allow a Cleveland hit in two innings of work. He walked just one batter and flashed some of the talent that Rockies coaches keep saying is there and will make him a bullpen weapon sooner than later. For his work, he earned his fifth win of the season. Think about that … Estevez, now with a 7.23 ERA and optioned six times to Triple-A this season, is 5-0 on the campaign.

Tyler Chatwood, who has likely lost his spot in the rotation with inconsistency during his 12 losses and 5.07 ERA, entered the game after Charlie Blackmon belted a solo homer in the top of the 12^th to give Colorado a 3-2 advantage. He was perfect in the bottom of the frame, earning just his second career save.

On a day when the Rockies were without Pat Neshek, Mike Dunn and Greg Holland because of work in previous games, Colorado’s bullpen combined to throw seven shutout innings and allow just two hits during that span.

In perhaps the tweet of the day, Rocktober Dreamer (@hurryhurryomaha) said, “What I enjoy most about this team of Rockies is that there isn’t just one guy who’s the X factor. Almost all of them are the X factor.”

Next: The importance of balancing focus and emotion on the mound

With the Rockies taking a 65-49 mark into an off day before starting a three-game series against the Marlins in Miami, Wednesday was a good reminder that this Colorado team doesn’t just win when Nolan Arenado or Blackmon has a big day at the plate. This team has plenty of players who can contribute to a much-needed win. Even players who may surprise Rockies fans with their heroics.