Rockies learn quality lesson against Padres in an epic chess match

If you missed Thursday night's series opener against the Padres, you missed a pitching masterclass, even though the score didn't reflect it.

Jimmy Herget, Chase Dollander, Jaden Hill, and Juan Mejia pitched well, giving the Rockies an opportunity to take control in the extra innings with the score tied at 1-1.

Here's where Colorado learned a valuable lesson in their 7-3 loss to San Diego.

Colorado has been employing a "small ball" strategy at times, as demonstrated by Jake McCarthy's sacrifice bunts in the top of the 10th and 12th innings, successfully advancing the runner to third base.

It's intriguing, as while TJ Rumfield has been on fire since his Major League debut earlier this season, he was 0-for-4 with a strikeout prior to his 11th-inning at-bat.

With Brett Sullivan (double) on second and Troy Johnston (walk) on first with no outs, it is surprising that Colorado didn't choose to employ a similar strategy and drop a bunt in that particular situation. Instead, Rumfield struck out swinging, followed by a force out off the bat of Ezequiel Tovar, and Willi Castro struck out to end the inning.

It seems Colorado could have scored one more run; they might have had a chance to slap hands in the 11th inning. 

San Diego tied the game in the 11th and ultimately won in the bottom of the 12th after Colorado was unable to score in the top of the inning. 

Xander Bogaerts delivered a walk-off grand slam, making it a heartbreaking defeat for the Rockies.

Side note: Mason Miller is unreal. The Padres' flame throwing closer made quick work of the Rockies in the top of the ninth, striking out the side in convincing fashion.

Colorado also made a costly mistake in the top of the 10th inning. Tyler Freeman was called out for slide interference, which resulted in a double play and the end of the inning.

This is a valuable lesson for Colorado moving forward, demonstrating a better approach to late-game situations. It's refreshing to see them battle like this, especially in extra innings, as these types of games in the past likely ended before reaching extras.