Rockies Get Helton a Win For His 40th Birthday

     The Rockies evened things up in their series with the Phillies tonight as they defeated them 5-3 behind a couple of long balls from Troy Tulowitzki and Wilin Rosario. Jorge De La Rosa had another quality start tonight and was able to pick up his 13th victory on the year. Todd Helton was celebrating his 40th birthday today and even though he was unable to collect a hit at the plate, he will gladly trade that in for a victory for the team. He is one of the classiest players in the game of baseball and the Rockies organization is proud to have had him as the face of the franchise for as many years as he has.

     Jorge De La Rosa threw six 1/3rd innings allowing just three hits, three runs (two earned), issued three walks and struck out three in the game. The Phillies got all three of their runs in the third inning which was aided by a rare error from Todd Helton which could have been an inning ending double play which would have got the Rockies out of the inning without any runs scoring. The bullpen came in and did a marvelous job as they threw 2 2/3rd innings with only one hitter reaching base which was from a Rex Brothers walk. Rafael Betancourt came in and closed out the game for his 16th save of the year. He looked very good on the mound as he needed only eight pitches to get the Phillies out in order in the ninth.

     The Rockies offense jumped out to an early lead in the game as Tyler Cloyd gave up a two run home run to Troy Tulowitzki and then allowed Michael Cuddyer to score on a wild pitch. The Rockies added another run in the second inning when Dexter Fowler had an RBI single and then another run in the third inning when Wilin Rosario took Cloyd deep to center field for a solo shot.That was all that the Rockies needed in the game as the pitching staff stepped up to shut the Phillies down.

     The Rockies will be back in action tomorrow night against the Phillies for game three of their four game series with first pitch scheduled for 5:05 PM Mountain time. Juan Nicasio (7-6, 4.94 ERA) will be taking on Cliff Lee (10-6, 3.19 ERA) for the Phillies.