Blown Save Costs Rockies a Victory

     Rafael Betancourt blew a one run lead in the ninth inning and the Phillies defeated the Rockies by a final score of 4-3. The Rockies fought hard to get the lead in the eighth inning but it all unraveled when Betancourt came in to close it out in the ninth. Juan Nicasio battled through 5 2/3rd innings on the night and was able to leave with the game tied at two. The score remained tied until the eighth inning when Nolan Arenado came through with a two out RBI single which gave the Rockies the 3-2 lead. Betancourt came in for the ninth inning and gave up a leadoff double to Erik Kratz. Casper Wells was moved over to third when John Mayberry grounded out to Jonathan Herrera at second base. Carlos Ruiz was the pinch hitter Ryne Sandberg went to next and he promptly hit an RBI double to tie up the game. Jimmy Rollins was then intentionally walked to set up a force at all of the bases which brought Michael Young to the plate. Young came through as he drilled the offering from Betancourt into left field for the walk off victory.

     Juan Nicasio was not bad tonight, but he also wasn't good. In the game he lasted 5 2/3rd innings allowing seven hits, two runs (one earned), one walk and struck out three. Things could have been worse if it were not for a double play that he induced while the bases were loaded with nobody out in the fifth inning. He got out of the fifth after allowing just the one run which was phenomenal considering the situation he was in. With the exception of Rafael Betancourt, the bullpen actually had a good night after they came in to relieve Nicasio. Unfortunately Rafael Betancourt could not hold the lead for the Rockies and the struggles continue for the Rockies on the road.

     Offensively the Rockies had another good day at the plate, but were unable to cash in on the majority of their chances with runners in scoring position. Wilin Rosario got the Rockies on the board when he drilled a solo home run to right field off of Cliff Lee in the second inning. The Rockies continued to rally in the second as they strung together a few hits. Dexter Fowler had an RBI single with two outs in the second which scored Nolan Arenado but the inning was abruptly ended when Jordan Pacheco was thrown out trying to score behind Arenado. Dexter Fowler, Michael Cuddyer and Nolan Arenado each had two hits in the game and the Rockies all together had 11 of them but in the end it was not enough to get the job done and secure a victory.

     The Rockies will be taking on the Phillies in the series finale tomorrow night with first pitch scheduled for 5:05 PM Mountain time. The Rockies will send Chad Bettis (0-2, 5.30 ERA) to the mound who is still looking for his first Major League victory, and he will be taking on Kyle Kendrick (10-10, 4.36 ERA) for the Phillies.