Padres Shutout Rockies 2-0, CarGo An Allstar
On the day it was announced that Carlos Gonzales would represent the Colorado Rockies (30-48) on the NL All-Star team, his team's bats were silenced as the San Diego Padres (30-50) earned a 2-0 shutout victory in Denver. The Rockies open a four-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals (41-38) tonight at 6:15 MT in Busch Stadium (TV: Root Sports).
Highly regarded rookie left-hander Drew Pomeranz held the Padres to two hits and one unearned run in six innings. However, Padres pitcher Kip Wells threw seven scoreless innings.
Pomeranz (0-3), the centerpiece in last summer's trade that sent former Rockies ace Ubaldo Jimenez to the Indians, spent nine starts at Triple-A Colorado Springs correcting delivery flaws, regaining velocity and basically waiting for another chance. He made the most of it Sunday.
"That's what I was down there to do: Go down there and figure it out in, I guess, a less-pressure situation, and I think I did," Pomeranz said. "I think I showed them.
The Padres (30-50) won 2-of-3 at Coors and tied the Rockies (30-48) in the win column. Now only the Cubs have fewer wins. The Rockies also dropped to 2-11 on Sundays this year, after going 6-19 last year. In such situations, the Rockies have to settle for forward steps in development. Pomeranz's effort counts.
In another small victory, Pomeranz made it three straight strong performances from the Rockies' new four-man starting rotation. Now they are facing stronger offensive competition in St. Louis and Washington on a seven-game road trip that starts tonight.
Official: Sunday's Box Score.
Carlos Gonzalez was named to the National League squad through player voting. The Rockies also pushed for NL manager Tony La Russa to add right-handed setup reliever Matt Belisle as a manager's choice, but it did not happen.
Gonzalez, who not in the starting lineup for Sunday's finale of a three-game set with the Padres, entered the day leading the NL in total bases with 174 and runs with 59. He was second in RBIs with 58, tied for fourth in home runs with 17 and sixth in hitting at .337.
Gonzales has also revealed that he has accepted an invitation by team captain Matt Kemp to participate in the State Farm Home Run Derby. The Home Run Derby is scheduled for July 9th, with the All-Star game taking place on July 10th.
Tickets are available for the Rockies' next home game at Coors Field vs. the Philadelphia Phillies on July 13th, and can be purchased by calling (800) 388-ROCK, or click here.
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