Rockies Enter All-Star Break With 4-3 Win Over Nationals
The Colorado Rockies (33-52) put an end to Part I of the 2012 MLB season with a 4-3 come-from-behind victory over the Washington Nationals (49-34) yesterday in DC. With the win, Colorado enters the All-Star break with a series win over Washington, who owns the best record in the National League. Carlos Gonzales will be the only Rockies player in Tuesday's All-Star lineup.
Eric Young Jr. began a rally with his first home run of the season, Dexter Fowler and Jordan Pacheco had two hits apiece and the Rockies scored the tying and winning runs on wild pitches.
The victory meant the Rockies are not going into the All-Star break with the Majors' worst record. They're tied with the Cubs at 33-52. What's more meaningful is the Rockies' biggest first-half problem, starting pitching, continued to move toward correcting itself, and they found a way around an issue through their entire 20 seasons, hitting on the road.
Starter Jeremy Guthrie turned in his second straight strong start since returning to the rotation by going six innings, giving up two runs on six hits. One of the hits, however, was Ian Desmond's two-run shot in the fourth inning. Guthrie struck out three, walked one and did his work in an economical 83 pitches.
However, when pinch-hitter Roger Bernadina manufactured a run off reliever Matt Belisle in the seventh, it looked like the Rockies' offense would be the blame, as it was in Saturday's 4-1 defeat. Instead, the Rockies rallied to beat the National League East-leading Nats and win the three-game series.
Official: Sunday's Box Score.
Young homered as a pinch-hitter to open the eighth against Sean Burnett, who replaced strong Nationals starter Jordan Zimmermann (seven innings, three hits, one run).
Fowler, who struggled and was replaced early in the season but has stormed to a .300 average, and Marco Scutaro singled to put runners at first and third. Left-hander Michael Gonzalez came in to face Rockies slugger Carlos Gonzalez and threw a wild pitch that let Fowler score, although Michael Gonzalez struck out three straight to end the inning.
Pacheco doubled off Tyler Clippard to open the ninth, moved on Jonathan Herrera's sacrifice bunt and scored on a wild Clippard pitch.
However, when pinch-hitter Roger Bernadina manufactured a run off reliever Matt Belisle in the seventh, it looked like the Rockies' offense would be the blame, as it was in Saturday's 4-1 defeat. Instead, the Rockies rallied to beat the National League East-leading Nats and win the three-game series.
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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