Close Call: Rockies' offense breaks out, but comes up short against the Reds

The Colorado Rockies don’t get many chances to come from behind and win games these days. They had that chance on Friday night at Coors Field.

In freezing temps and light rain, the Rockies’ offense came alive against the Cincinnati Reds, but when it mattered most, it wasn’t enough as the Rockies lost to the Reds 8-7, which was their fourth straight setback and their 21st of this brutal season.

Despite 10 hits and two more homeruns from Jordan Beck, the Rockies were again horrible with scoring chances as they went 4-for-13 with runners in scoring position and left seven men on base.

Poor starting pitching also factored in as Kyle Freeland gave up 10 hits and six runs in just four innings. However, Colorado almost overcame that bad start from Freeland, as the game was tied at six going into the seventh inning. From there however, Zach Agnos and the Colorado bullpen couldn’t hold the lead, and the Rockies, despite a second Beck homer, couldn’t rally in the ninth.

Now, Colorado will look to rebound under the sunny skies of Denver on Saturday as the Rockies celebrate the 30th anniversary of Coors Field against the Reds. First pitch for the historic game is set for 1:10 p.m. M.D.T. with Rockies’ legend Dante Bichette set to throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

Before the Rockies and Reds meet again Saturday, here’s three  takeaways from Friday night’s nailbiter.

• The Rockies showed signs of life

The Reds have been playing well, so the fact that the Rockies rallied is big. Hunter Goodman stayed hot, and it was a great site to see Michael Toglia have a three-hit game with three RBIs. It’s true the Rockies lost, but, the offense did show some vital signs.

• When will the starters come back around?

Freeland was just the latest starter to get roughed up. He’s not the only one however. The first two weeks of the season, the Rockies’ starters were Top 5 in ERA, but, it’s been downhill since then. Colorado starting pitchers have given the Rockies very little in terms of early inning leads, and that’s been a problem for weeks now.

• Jordan Beck is going crazy

Beck has certainly sent a message to Bud Black and the Rockies’ brass since being recalled. He hit two home runs yesterday in Kansas City, and he blasted two more tonight at Coors Field. Despite being sent down in early April, Beck now leads the Rockies in homers, and he’s returned to Denver with a vengeance.