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Rockies vs. Marlins: Rox bullpen falters in series sweep

It’s getting bad at this point.

By Ian Slate |
Colorado Rockies v Miami Marlins
Colorado Rockies v Miami Marlins / Megan Briggs/GettyImages
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The Rundown

After an ugly two game set in Mexico City, the Rockies sought to right the ship against the lowly Marlins in Miami. Game one got off to a hot start against fallen star Sixto Sanchez, as a leadoff double by Ezequiel Tovar sparked a five-run inning that was capped off by an Elehuris Montero three-run home run.

Ryan Feltner would take the hill opposite Sanchez, facing the minimum through six innings and taking a scoreless outing into the bottom of the ninth. Felter would run into trouble in the ninth, plating a run and exiting with runners on second and third. Justin Lawrence couldn’t close the game out, recording just one out and relinquishing the lead. Jalen Beeks would get Colorado out of the inning, but the Marlins would score two in the ninth, walking off on a Myers single that would send the Rockies packing in a heartbreaking fashion. 

Game two was another offensive dud for the Rockies, as they were shut down by rookie Roddery Munoz. On the other side, Dakota Hudson got back on track with a solid outing of 5.2 innings and two earned runs, giving the Rockies a chance to rally and win the ballgame. Unfortunately, the Rockies were unable to muster any offense outside of a single run on an Elias Diaz groundout, squandering Hudson’s good start. A poor appearance by Nick Mears would give Miami all the cushion they needed, as Anthony Maldonado got the save in the Rockies 4-1 loss.

The series finale was a matchup of young arms, as Edward Cabrera faced off against Peter Lambert. Lambert labored into the fourth, giving up four runs before being pulled for Ty Blach. Blach gave the Rockies exactly what they needed with four scoreless innings, bringing a tie game into extra innings for the second time in the series. Despite loading the bases in the ninth and putting a runner on third in the tenth, the Rockies were unable to get one across. After Jesus Sanchez ripped a ball down the left field for the walk off, the Rockies packed their bags with another crushing series defeat.

The Positives

Jordan Beck went 2-4 in his MLB. For a highly touted prospect who is ranked fourth overall in the Rockies system (according to MBL Pipeline), it’s nice to see him get off on right foot and get that vaunted first hit out of the way. Beck did this in his first MLB at bat, collecting two more during the series. He did strike out six times in his three games, something to keep an eye on moving forward.

Dakota Hudson had a good bounce back start, firing 5.2 innings of two run ball. Hudson is a prime trade candidate for the Rockies this summer, so it would be nice to see him get back on track and up his value. Elias Diaz picked up three hits, continuing his solid offensive performance this year. Ty Blach had an awesome outing in the series finale, stopping the bleeding in relief of Lambert with four scoreless innings to keep the Rockies in the game. Blach is a prime candidate to take a spot in the rotation if Lambert gets moved back to the bullpen. Brendan Rodgers turned in a nice two hit performance on Thursday. Rodgers has been much better as of late, which is an important turn of events after his slow start.

The Negatives

The Rockies have trailed in all 31 games to start the season, a modern era record as so kindly pointed out by Marlin's broadcaster Paul Severino. I don’t have much to say about that other than it makes sense why we’re 7-24. The bullpen was terrible. Enough said. Nick Mears continues to struggle with command, walking two in route to giving up two more runs, raising his season ERA to 5.68.

I’m begging the Rockies organization to put Peter Lambert back in the bullpen and leave him there. It’s so simple, Peter Lambert out of the bullpen this year = very good. Peter Lambert as a starter = very bad. He only made it through 3.1 innings on Thursday, giving up four runs on five hits and three walks. Just let him grow into becoming a solid bullpen arm and let someone else fill a starting role. Ezequiel Tovar, Brenton Doyle, and Charlie Blackmon all had just one hit on the series, which is frustrating from three guys that should be energizing the offense. 

Coors Crown: Jacob Stallings

I feel like it’s time to start giving Jacob Stallings some credit this year. An unheralded backup catcher coming off one of his worst seasons in the big leagues, Stallings returned to the ballpark he called home last year with a bang. Stallings went 2-4 with a three-run home run, providing almost all of the offense for the Rockies on Thursday. Stallings is quietly turning in a great season thus far, hitting .345 with a home run and five RBI along with his .946 OPS. Despite his sporadic playing time, Stallings has been a nice veteran addition to this roster. There’s no telling how the rest of his season will shake out, but so far Stallings has been a great backup to Elias Diaz.

Rockiest Rocky: Ezequiel Tovar

Tovar’s swing rate was bound to catch up to him. After going on a heater and raising his batting average well above .300, Tovar’s average has dropped to .260 after a tough 1-14 series in which he struck out four times. Tovar swings at about 62% of pitches he sees, which is among the MLB leaders. He also has a concerningly high chase and strikeout rate to accompany his low walk rate, a direct result of his swing-happy approach. Tovar’s slump has come to an exclamation point in his last seven games, in which he is hitting just .100. While I still have a ton of confidence in Tovar and expect him to turn in a good season, improving his approach could be vital in his development. 

Stat Pack

Offensive Highlights: 

Elias Diaz: 3-11, 1 RBI, (series); .292 AVG, 15 RBI, .742 OPS(season totals)

Ryan McMahon: 4-10, 1 R, 2 RBI; .316 AVG, 18 RBI, .898 OPS

Elehuris Montero: 2-12, 1 HR, 3 RBI; .213 AVG, 2 HR, 10 RBi

Jordan Beck: 3-11; .273 AVG, .546 OPS

Pitching Highlights: 

Dakota Hudson: 5.2 IP, 2 ER, 2 K (series); 5.93 ERA, 30.1 IP, 18 K (season totals)

Peter Lambert: 3.1 IP, 4 ER, 3 K; 5.66 ERA, 20.2 IP, 18 K

Ty Blach: 4 IP, 0 ER, 2 K; 3.60 ERA, 10 IP, 3 K

Ryan Feltner: 8 IP, 3 ER, 3 K; 5.13 ERA, 33.1 IP, 33 K

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