Rockies Finish Disappointing Series Against Astros

     The Rockies fell apart in the sixth inning on Thursday night and it cost them the game and a chance to split the series with the cellar dwelling Astros. After building a 3-0 lead the Rockies imploded in the sixth inning and could not get anybody out. Juan Nicasio began pitching in the sixth inning but was taken out after facing four batters and not getting any outs. Wilton Lopez came in and relieved Nicasio and gave up two home runs to the first two batters he faced, Chris Carter and Matt Dominguez. The Astros went into the inning trailing by two runs and when all was said and done they had a four run lead. The Rockies were unable to recover and lost by a final score of 7-5.

     Juan Nicasio threw good until he reached the sixth inning and his final line was five innings pitched, seven hits, five runs, three walks and three strikeouts. He took the loss and now has a 4-2 record with a 4.79 ERA. Wilton Lopez also gave up two runs in the sixth inning and his ERA on the season is now 4.13. Lucas Harrell for the Astros picked up his first victory in his last six starts even though he did not pitch great on the day. His final line was 5 2/3rd innings pitched allowing eight hits, three runs, four walks and struck out two. The Rockies had their shots to get some more damage in, but the Astros were able to turn four double plays on the night which killed several of the Rockies chances.

     The Rockies finished the night with 11 hits and every Rockies position player that started had at least one hit except for Nolan Arenado who went 0-5. Carlos Gonzalez and Michael Cuddyer each had two hits and an RBI while the offensive star of the night was Yorvit Torrealba who went 3-4 with one RBI and one run.

      This is a frustrating conclusion to a series with the Astros. Heading into the series the Rockies were expected to take it to the Astros and perhaps get a four game sweep of the last place club. Instead the Astros turned the table on the Rockies and made them look like they were the team that is in the cellar of their respective divisions. This can be a series that can lead the Rockies in one of two ways. Either they bounce back immediately from the disappointing results and they are able to forget what happened and they can get back to their winning ways. Another possibility is that this series will hang over the Rockies heads and they will go into a bad streak that could be a defining point of the season. Hopefully they will bounce back when it comes time to take on the Dodgers come Friday night.