Colorado Rockies play their most complete game of the season

The last time the Colorado Rockies recorded the most runs in franchise history in a shutout win was on September 16, 2007 with 13. Exactly 10 years later, they beat the San Diego Padres 16-0.

That last run started what would become a run to Rocktober. When asked if that was a good omen for his ball club, manager Bud Black didn’t mince his words.

"“Yes,” he said."

With their most impressive and complete game of the season, the Rockies put on a display that was worth much more than any entrance price. Tyler Anderson flirted with a no-hitter, Charlie Blackmon and Nolan Arenado broke records (to put it lightly), the always stoic DJ LeMehieu was hit by a pitch and caused the benches to clear, and with the game out of hand, seemingly everyone called up in September got in the game. There was something for everyone.

Maybe the best news of the night is the Rockies won their 82nd game of the season, making sure they won’t finish lower than .500.

Blackmon and Arenado breaking records more than phone screens break

Blackmon recorded his 89th RBI of the season from the leadoff spot which set a new NL record for RBIs by a leadoff player breaking Craig Biggio’s record set in 1998. As if that wasn’t enough, he also hit his 81st extra-base hit which set the record by a leadoff hitter previously held by Jimmy Rollins in 2007.

Nolan recorded his 125th RBI of the season which he has done in three consecutive seasons. He is the first Rockie and third baseman in MLB history to accomplish this.

When asked about his historic season, Blackmon deferred to the extraordinary performances of LeMehieu and Arenado for his success. The night before he had a day off. Feeling fresh wasn’t the first thing on his mind. He credits a lot of his success to being on the field consistently.

"“I didn’t feel as fresh as I thought I was going to feel,” Blackmon said. “I’m very thankful to play as much baseball as I have. When you feel fresh sometimes you don’t feel locked in.”"

Not being locked in hasn’t been an issue for the should be MVP candidate. He mentioned that he didn’t know about passing Rollins’ record.

"“I didn’t know that. That’s cool. I think extra base hits just do a lot for your team and if I can end up on any base other than first. Those guys behind me have a better chance to drive me in. I’m happy to be a part of Nolan and DJs great season too. Just being on base when they are getting their hits,” he said."

The return of Tyler Anderson

When Kyle Freeland came in the seventh inning to relieve Tyler Anderson, it was a far cry from the microcosm of the Rockies 2017 season. Freeland was the one with the near no-hit bid on July 9. Anderson was not in the rotation for the majority of the season. Instead on a night that felt like the first of fall, Anderson had a no-hit bid into the 6th.

Anderson commented that he didn’t think about the no-hit bid but he did mention how he has felt since coming off the 60-Day disabled list on September 10. With many Rockies rookie pitchers needing rest, Anderson’s comeback gives a much needed lift to this rotation and pen.

"“I feel a lot better than I was early on so building the strength up has been the whole process right now,” he said."

Anderson’s presence does show a them of the pitching staff and how it positions the club moving forward.

"“I think the versatility, I started a game here I came out of the pen. Same thing with [Kyle] Freeland. Obviously had some great starts came out of the pen tonight. [Jeff] Hoffman, the same thing. It just shows that Buddy [Black] is confident in using us in any situation.”"

A bloop chopper by Manuel Margot broke up the no-hit bid but Black said that would have been Anderson’s last inning regardless. He finished in the low 70s for his pitch count and Black plans to have him in the 90s in his next start. Even with a barrage of hits, that wasn’t what Black was most impressed with.

"“We had three pitchers throw the ball extremely well. To throw a three hit shutout. I think that’s probably the thing that has stood out to me is the pitching,” Black said."

Next: Colorado Rockies: Postseason picture with 14 games to play

Scoring 16 with everyone contributing and only giving up three hits, it is encouraging to see this team have their most complete performance two weeks before October. Finishing above .500 is just the start for this team.

Oh and here’s what happened with DJ.