After a complete victory against the San Diego Padres last night, the Colorado Rockies entered this afternoon’s game with the chance for a series win. Things were going great for the most part… until they weren’t.
Multiple injuries occurred early in the game, but the Rockies persevered and carried a three-run lead into the top of the ninth inning. Unfortunately, a spectacular blow-up in said ninth inning led to the Rockies losing the game by two and dropping the series to the Padres.
Injuries may test the Rockies’ depth
The Rockies had two players depart the game early due to injury this afternoon. Most notably, right-handed pitcher and today’s starter Ryan Feltner was pulled after just two innings. Feltner threw 40 pitches and allowed two earned runs on two hits and a walk—including a double—in the second inning. Felter was later announced to have right triceps tightness. Manager Warren Schaeffer mentioned after the game that the triceps tightness caused numbness in his fingers.
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The Rockies are already relying on multiple pitchers for bulk-innings work, including Chase Dollander, Antonio Senzatela, and Tanner Gordon. Left-handed pitcher Kyle Freeland is currently on the 15-day injured list with left shoulder soreness and is eligible to return on April 28th against the Cincinnati Reds.
Infielder Willi Castro also left today’s game with an injury. He went 0-for-1 with a walk and a strikeout before being pulled from the lineup with right knee soreness. He was replaced in the lineup by Tyler Freeman.
Castro has appeared in 21 of the Rockies 26 games so far this season at multiple positions.
A strong effort by the bullpen collapsed
With Feltner leaving the game after just two innings, the Rockies’ bullpen had the herculean task of getting the team through the game with three games to go until their next day off.
Zach Agnos, who is being stretched into more of a long-relief role, performed admirably in three innings of work. While he did give up two earned runs, they weren’t back-breaking. He gave up just one run each in the fourth and fifth innings, one of which was a home run. Agnos had solid command, walking just one batter with three strikeouts.
Seth Halvorsen, freshly recalled from the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes with Jimmy Herget going on the paternity list, made his first big league appearance of the season in the sixth inning. The power arm struck out two batters—though he did issue a walk—in a scoreless inning of work.
Halvorsen gave way to Juan Mejia, who struck out three batters in 1.2 innings but did allow an earned run on three hit and a walk. Victor Vodnik was called in to end the eighth inning and earn a four-out save.
Then it all fell apart.
Vodnik entered the top of the ninth inning with a three-run lead. That lead evaporated almost instantly as Vodnik walked the leadoff batter and allowed three straight singles without recording an out as the Padres pulled within one run.
Then Sheets happened.
Gavin Sheets clobbered a three-run home run on the first pitch he saw—a slider middle-middle—to put the Padres ahead by two. Vondik struck out the next batter but the damage was done. Brennan Bernardino entered the game and quickly finished the inning.
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Eight isn’t enough
Strong days at the plate from multiple Rockies players should have had this game end in a win for the home team. Edouard Julien went 2-for-5 from the leadoff spot, hitting his first triple in a Rockies uniform for his 200th career hit as he continues a strong April, and TJ Rumfield hit two doubles with a walk in his own 2-for-4 afternoon. Meanwhile, Troy Johnston continues to be an excellent addition to the Rockies roster. The off-season waiver claim went 3-for-4 with a walk and two RBIs.
The main superstar of the game was Mickey Moniak. Moniak continued to be so fine with a four-hit afternoon that included two home runs. He had two RBIs and scored three times himself.
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Normally eight runs would be enough, but things get weird when the Padres come to town. After Vodnik’s collapse, the Rockies had the unenviable task of facing Mason Miller with a two-run deficit.
With one out, Troy Johnston hit a single to show Miller was mortal. However, the hope wouldn’t last.
Ezequiel Tovar swung wildly at a slider in the dirt before watching a slider down the middle for a called strike two. He then grounded into a game and series-ending double play.
Tovar finished the game 0-for-5 and though he didn’t strike out today, he is hitting just .204 on the season.
Coming Up Next
The Rockies are off to Flushing for three games against the New York Mets. The Mets look vulnerable after finally managing to snap a 12-game losing streak yesterday. It could provide the Rockies with a chance to have their first strong series on the road. Michael Lorenzen will start for the Rockies against Mets righty Freddy Peralta. First pitch is scheduled for 5:10 PM MDT.
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