Rockies Drop Series Opener 6-3 At Arizona

The Colorado Rockies (36-59) dropped their series opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks (48-48) 6-3 last night in Phoenix. New acquired starting pitcher Jonathan Sanchez was roughed up in his return to the National League. Game 2 of the three-game series is tonight at 7:40 MT at Chase Field (TV: Root Sports).

When the Rockies traded for Jonathan Sanchez on Friday from the Royals, they hoped a return to the National League West would revitalize the struggling lefty, who had enjoyed success with the Giants.

But after just four innings in his first start with the club Monday, Sanchez was already out of the game, succumbing to four walks and one particularly back-breaking hit from his pitching counterpart.

The 29-year-old allowed a two-out bases-loaded triple to Ian Kennedy in the fourth and the Rockies were stymied by the D-backs’ ace as they fell in the series opener.

Official: Monday’s Box Score.

The loss marked the Rockies’ seventh in their last nine games.

Sanchez left after tossing four innings and surrendering five runs on six hits. The left-hander has allowed five or more runs in six of his 13 starts this season.

“I felt pretty good, I thought I made some good pitches,” Sanchez said. “I was over the plate more than I’m used to. It was one of those days where you make a mistake and you have to pay for it.”

Offensively, things weren’t much better for the Rockies. Josh Rutledge got the Rockies on the board in the fifth with his first big league homer to cut the Arizona lead to 5-1. Batting third, Carlos Gonzalez hit his 20th home run of the season in the ninth inning to snap a 0-for-28 drought over the last two games from the middle of the order.

Tickets are available for the Rockies’ next home game at Coors Field vs. the Cincinnati Reds on July 27th, and can be purchased by calling (800) 388-ROCK, or click here.

[ColoradoRockies.com]