Colorado Rockies morning after: Offense and pitching finally click

Now that’s how the Colorado Rockies wanted to start a big nine-game road trip through the National League West.

Charlie Blackmon stayed red-hot at the plate, Nolan Arenado shook out of a mini-slump and Antonio Senzatela threw 6.2 strong innings as the Colorado Rockies recorded an 8-1 win at Chase Field over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night. It was the 2,000th win in franchise history.

Senzatela’s performance was critical for the Rockies, who saw their pitching not only tested but also depleted during a record-setting four-game series against the San Diego Padres at Coors Field over the weekend. After an off day, Colorado was somewhat rejuvenated in the bullpen. However, an extended performance from Senzatela was just what Colorado manager Bud Black needed knowing another off day wasn’t coming until July 1.

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The 24-year-old right-hander scattered seven hits throughout his 6.2 innings of work, with 59 of his 103 pitches going for strikes. The only down spot was four walks on the night … and all four of the walks came after the Diamondbacks had had a batter reach with a base hit. That’s extra traffic and that’s something to also watch in his next start, even though Bud Black and Senzatela both said it was no big deal in postgame comments.

Senzatela continued a … shall we say … interesting June. In three of his starts, he has allowed a combined three earned runs in 18.2 innings. In the other start (against the Chicago Cubs on June 12), he was shelled for eight runs (six earned) in just four innings.

After a May where Senzatela posted a 6.98 ERA in six starts (where he lasted just a combined 29.2 innings), he has seemingly found his rhythm in June. That’s what the Rockies need with a rotation that is still hit or miss, even with German Marquez and Jon Gray anchoring it.

Senzatela’s outing was needed on many levels. It helped bury the disappointment of the weekend and kicked the road trip off on the right foot. It also helped remind Rockies fans that, if the pitching can limit the other team’s scoring, this potent offense can do enough to scratch out a win.