Colorado Rockies: 3 things we learned from the Chicago Cubs series

A frustrating 6-4 loss Sunday afternoon by the Colorado Rockies at the hands of the Chicago Cubs ended a four-game series between the two teams at Coors Field.

A sun-splashed crowd of 36,391 saw Colorado (6-3) go 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position while stranding eight baserunners as the two National League squads split the series.

Taking a two-game winning streak into action Sunday, the Rockies had a chance to win their third consecutive series against the Cubs (5-4) at Coors Field. But such was not the case on this April day.

The Rox have yet to lose any of their series thus far this season (won series matchups against Los Angeles Dodgers and Texas to go along with the split with the Cubs).

Despite Sunday’s setback, Colorado manager Bud Black is happy with his team’s performance in the early stages of 2022.

“Overall we are playing well,” Black told media, including Rox Pile, after the series finale Sunday with the Cubs. “I think you look at the overall team pitching, I think it has been pretty solid. Team offense has been solid. Defense, I think we have made some mistakes but not a ton. I think how we are playing is reflective of our record.”

Up next, the homestand continues with a three-game set against Philadelphia scheduled to begin on Monday,

Here are 3 things we learned from the Colorado Rockies’ series with the Chicago Cubs

1. Connor Joe is settling in as the team’s leadoff hitter

Connor Joe has started all nine Colorado Rockies games this season and has reached base safely in every contest. He was in the leadoff spot in the order for all four games with the Cubs.

In the series opener, he reached base twice while he was on board three times in the final two contests with Chicago. He now has a slash line of .361/.465/.667 on the season.

2. Kris Bryant is as good as advertised

Kris Bryant has hit safely in eight of his nine regular-season games since joining the Colorado Rockies on March 18. The four-time All-Star began the season on a seven-game hitting streak before that streak was snapped in game three of the Cubs series.

His four multi-hit games this season had him tied for second-most in the NL entering action Sunday. He is now hitting .343 with 12 hits in 35 at-bats.

3. Ashton Goudeau has developed into an early option in the bullpen

Now in his third go-around with the Colorado Rockies, Ashton Goudeau’s early-season effectiveness has made him a dependable member of the team’s bullpen. Three of his four appearances in 2022 have been scoreless outings.

He was called on twice in the series with Chicago, allowing three hits and one earned run in 4.1 innings. Only one of eight baserunners he has inherited has scored. in 7.2 innings of mound duty. His earned run average is 1.25.