Rockies Lose Again in Toronto

     Jeff Francis blew up in the first inning of the game tonight and the Rockies were unable to fight their way back into the game. Francis gave up four runs on six hits in the first inning and it could have been worse if not for a great throw from Carlos Gonzalez to nail Mark DeRosa at third base. Esmil Rogers was fantastic on the night and picked up his third win on the season. Rogers threw 6 2/3rds innings allowing four hits, two runs and struck out five. He did not give up his first hit until there was one out in the seventh inning and Jonathan Herrera hit a single up the middle. Edwin Encarnacion was the offensive star of the night as he went 2-4 with a home run and a double and had three RBI in the game. JP Arencibia and Maicer Izturis hit back to back home runs in the sixth inning off of Francis which pushed their lead to 8-0. The Rockies were finally able to string a couple of hits together and end their scoring drought at 15 innings.

     Jeff Francis may have thrown his last pitch as a member of the Colorado Rockies. He wishes it would have gone differently, but things took a turn for the worse early on in the game. Francis gave up four runs on six hits in the first inning and was unable to get anybody out. He got some help from his defense in the inning when Carlos Gonzalez picked up his Major League leading ninth outfield assist. If Gonzalez had not gunned down DeRosa then the first inning may have never ended. Francis did bounce back nicely from it as he retired 10 straight hitters at one point but then he had another meltdown once he reached the fifth inning. He gave up a two run home run to Edwin Encarnacion and then issued back to back home runs in the sixth inning to JP Arencibia and Maicer Izturis. His final line was six innings, 10 hits, eight runs and two strikeouts. The Rockies have announced that Roy Oswalt will be called up to the Major Leagues and start on Thursday and the speculation is that Jeff Francis may be designated for assignment to clear room for Oswalt. Francis has been bad this year and has left too many pitches up in the zone which has resulted in a lot of crooked numbers being put up on the scoreboard by the opposing teams.

     Michael Cuddyer was able to get a single on the night which extended his hitting streak to 16 games. His current hitting streak is the longest one of his career. The loss tonight by the Rockies extends their losing streak in Toronto to eight games. In fact the Rockies have never won a game in Toronto, they are 0-8 all time.

     The Final game of the series between the Rockies and the Blue Jays will take place tomorrow night with first pitch set for 5:07 PM Mountain time. The Rockies will be looking to salvage one game in the series and remain within striking distance in their division.