Swept at Coors: Three takeaways from the Rockies' series with the Reds

It’s tough times for the Colorado Rockies. And Sunday at Coors Field was just another in a series of long days for the beleaguered franchise.

The Rockies lost their sixth straight game Sunday, in a 8-1 defeat to the Cincinnati Reds. The loss also meant a series sweep at the hands of the Reds on what was supposed to be a celebration weekend in Denver. Instead, the Rockies dropped to 4-23 in what is now one of the worst starts in Major League history.

In their most recent performance, the Rockies managed just three hits, and scored on a Jordan Beck sacrifice fly in the eighth inning. By then however, it was way too late as Bradley Blalock was moved into he rotation, but in four innings, he surrendered seven hits and six runs, all earned. The Rockies’ bullpen fared no better as they allowed seven of the Red’s 14 hits on the day.

Meanwhile, Colorado’s offense couldn’t repeat Saturday’s performance, as Beck, Kyle Farmer and Alan Trejo each had one hit. The Reds took a no-hitter into the sixth before Beck broke it up.

The Rockies will now have a day of rest before starting a three-game series with the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday night at Coors Field.

Here’s three takeaways from the series with the Reds.

3. Rockies’ pitching is starting to catch up to the hitting

Colorado’s starters started the season strong. Then, for a stretch, the bullpen was coming around. But overall, the pitching is really struggling. Against the Reds, the Rockies surrendered 22 runs and almost 30 hits. Colorado’s starters in the three-game set had a combined ERA of almost 10.0. When a team is struggling to hit like Colorado is, the pitching has to help and that’s just not the case.

2. Jordan Beck is a one-man show right now

Beck is on fire, and he’s almost doing it all by himself. Beck drove in another run on Sunday, and that’s nine RBIs since being called back up. The problem is, the Rockies need about four more Jordan Beck’s right now for it to make any difference.

1. The worst start in MLB history?

Statistically this isn’t the worst start in history. But, after a second straight series sweep, the Rockies are mathematically on pace to win just 25 games this season. That would easily qualify as the worst season in MLB history. And if the Rockies’ offense can’t do better then it has in the first month of the season, then it’s now out of the question that Colorado does end up being the worst team in MLB history.

Extra Bases: The Rockies made the following moves Sunday:

- Acquired INF Alan Trejo via trade with the Texas Rangers in exchange for cash considerations.
- Selected the contract of Trejo (#31) from Triple-A Albuquerque.
- Recalled RHP Bradley Blalock from Triple-A.
- Optioned C Braxton Fulford and RHP Jaden Hill to Triple-A.
- Designated LHP Lucas Gilbreath for assignment.