Colorado Rockies morning after: Starting pitching, lack of clutch hits lead to series split

The Colorado Rockies split the four-game series against the Chicago Cubs losing 6-4 on Easter Sunday. The loss drops their record to 6-3. Here are some quick takes from Sunday afternoon’s defeat.

The Good for the Colorado Rockies: The bullpen and Ryan McMahon’s homer

The bullpen continues to be a bright spot and a model of consistency. Ashton Goudeau, Tyler Kinley, and Justin Lawrence allowed one run on five hits and one walk with 5 strikeouts over 4 2/3 innings of work. The bullpen’s 1.80 ERA is still the best in the majors, even after giving up four runs in Saturday night’s 9-6 victory.

Ryan McMahon also hit his first home run of the season. His two-run blast in the sixth capped a three-run sixth inning which drew the Rockies within one run of the Cubs but that was as close as they would get.

The Bad: The starting rotation and the lack of clutch hits

Austin Gomber struggled in his second start of the season giving up four runs in the first three innings. He only lasted 4 1/3 innings, giving up five runs (four earned) on eight hits with four walks and two strikeouts on 81 total pitches. He was credited with the loss and failed to make it past the 4th inning for his second consecutive outing to start the season.

The Rockies’ offense also continues to struggle with runners in scoring position. Elias Díaz hit into an inning-ending double play in the first with runners at the corners.

Then in the 7th inning with the Rockies down two runs with the bases loaded and one out, Díaz struck out and McMahon grounded out. The Rockies finished the game with eight runners left on base and were 1-for-7 RISP dropping their season average to 20-for-89 (.225).

Another item of note from Sunday’s games was that Brendan Rodgers went hitless again. After another 0-for-4 performance at the plate, Rodgers is now hitting an atrocious 3-for-31 (.097) with 12 strikeouts. Until he snaps out of the early slump, Black may need to drop him down even further in the lineup (he hit sixth on Saturday and Sunday after hitting third to start the season and being dropped down to fifth after a few games).

Up Next

The Philadelphia Phillies (4-6), who are coming off a series loss to the Marlins in Miami, come to Coors Field to begin a three-game series Monday night. Aaron Nola (1-1, 6.75 ERA) takes the mound for the Phillies and Chad Kuhl (0-0, 2.08 ERA) for the Rockies with a 6:40 M.T. start time.