Colorado Rockies show little signs of life as San Francisco sweeps

There were a number of scenarios for how the two-game series between the Colorado Rockies and the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park would play out over the last two days. For the Rockies, how the series actually played out was by far the worst case scenario.

San Francisco took both games of the quick two-game series from the Rockies, including a 4-0 victory on Wednesday afternoon. It was the fifth consecutive win for San Francisco over the Rockies at AT&T Park and was just the fourth shutout pitched by the Giants of the season.

Colorado (82-70) has now lost three consecutive games since a 16-0 blowout of the San Diego Padres at Coors Field on Saturday night. Two of those losses came in the ninth inning. Wednesday’s defeat was by shutout. However, the losses have happened, Colorado’s defeats have cost them dearly in the race for the second Wild Card spot. Milwaukee could draw even with the Rockies if they beat the Pirates in Pittsburgh on Wednesday night.

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Colorado’s offense was held to just six hits on Wednesday afternoon, a showing that simply shouldn’t have happened with a struggling Matt Moore on the mound for the Giants. However, Colorado couldn’t capitalize on any opportunities to plate a run, including a golden one in the fifth inning.

Jonathan Lucroy opened the frame with a single but couldn’t be advanced by pitcher Tyler Chatwood, who fouled out on a bunt attempt. Charlie Blackmon earned a one-out infield single to give the Rockies two men on and a chance at breaking through on the scoreboard. However, DJ LeMahieu was called out on a questionable third strike call and Nolan Arenado popped out to end the threat.

The lack of execution was symbolic of the day for a Colorado offense that showed little signs of life. The Rockies will now have to ignite their offense now in San Diego inside Petco Park, a stadium rarely known for its offense.

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Colorado now has 10 games left in the regular season. If the Rockies are to earn their first postseason berth since 2009, the mistakes made over the last three games must be quickly erased, especially with a Brewers team seemingly hitting on all cylinders and taking advantage of its opportunities.