Colorado Rockies: Key moments in the 4-0 loss to the Braves

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DENVER, CO – APRIL 08: Starting pitcher Sean Newcomb #15 of the Atlanta Braves throws in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on April 8, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

The Colorado Rockies faced the Atlanta Braves on Sunday without All-Star center fielder Charlie Blackmon in the starting lineup. The bearded slugger was held out after suffering back tightness on Saturday night, but the Rockies hope he’ll be ready for Monday’s game against the Padres.

Without his traditional leadoff hitter, Rockies manager Bud Black moved second baseman DJ Lemahieu into the leadoff spot and slid catcher Chris Iannetta into the number two slot. The move didn’t help as Atlanta posted a 4-0 win to take two of three games in their only visit to Denver this season.

Both Colorado and Atlanta put forward young left handers — Kyle Freeland for the Rockies and Sean Newcomb for the Braves — and both youngsters were on their game.

Though no runs were scored until the fifth inning, that doesn’t mean the teams were without their chances.

Rockies squander early opportunity

Freeland resilient early on

Freeland stood tall in the second inning when he faced some traffic. Braves veteran right fielder Nick Markakis singled to lead off the inning and speedy shortstop Dansby Swanson reached on a bunt towards first base.

With two on and nobody out, Freeland coaxed a fly ball to left from third baseman Charlie Culberson. Left fielder Peter Bourjos proceeded to ground into a fielder’s choice at second and Freeland ended the inning by striking out Newcomb swinging.

Newcomb dominates

After Story’s single in the first, Newcomb retired sixteen consecutive batters until Arenado reached on a fluke infield hit off the third base bag in the bottom of the seventh.

Newcomb struck out nine Rockies over that span.

He went six-plus innings, giving up five hits, no walks, and no runs. Newcomb joined Jon Gray and Randy Johnson as the only three starting pitchers in the history of Coors Field to throw at least six innings without giving up a run while striking out at least nine and issuing no walks.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Black dismissed concerns about the offense after the shutout.

“There are times when a guy pitches a really good game — I think we saw that today,” Black said.

With no outs in the seventh, Newcomb was lifted for former Rockies reliever Shane Carle after giving up hits to Arenado and Story.

On the first pitch, Carle got Desmond to ground into a double-play and one batter later, right fielder Gerardo Parra lined out to left to end the inning.

DENVER, CO – APRIL 08: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Atlanta Braves beats the tag of second baseman DJ LeMahieu #9 of the Colorado Rockies for a double in the second inning at Coors Field on April 8, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

Stealing a run

The Braves had been showing off their speed all series and, with the game at an offensive standstill, they used that speed to push the play and ultimately scratch out a run.

After drawing a two-out walk in the top of the fifth, Braves center fielder Ender Inciarte stole second base to put him into scoring position for second baseman Ozzie Albies.

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Albies roped a ground-rule double to left-center field that allowed Albies to score the first run of the game because he was standing on second. Had Albies still been at first, he would have been required to stop at third when Albies’ double hopped over the fence.

Braves go long

For the second outing in a row, Freeland pitched a strong game, only to begin unravelling in the sixth inning.

With the Braves up 1-0, Markakis and Swanson hit back-to-back home runs to stretch the lead.

One inning later, Albies went deep off left-hander Chris Rusin to give Atlanta a 4-0 lead.

Despite the home runs, Freeland put together a quality start. He gave up three runs on seven hits over six innings.

Freeland struck out five and walked two in his second loss of the season.

Overall, Black seemed impressed with the young left-hander’s performance, noting that there are times when three runs over six innings will win a game, especially at Coors Field.

“I’m not concerned about Kyle losing confidence or anything of that nature,” Black said after the game.

Next: CarGo discusses how special this Opening Day at Coors Field was for him

Sunday marked the first time the Braves had shut out Colorado at Coors Field since April 18, 1997, when Tom Glavine tossed complete game in a 14-0 rout.

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