Rockies Fall To Rangers 4-1
The Colorado Rockies (26-43) dropped the opening game of their final interleague series of the season, falling to the Texas Rangers (44-27) 4-1 last night in Arlington. The loss was the Rockies' 13th in their last 15 games. The two teams meet again this afternoon at 1:05 MT at Rangers Ballpark (TV: Root Sports).
Newly acquired Texas starter and Colorado nemesis Roy Oswalt, once again schooled the Rockies' hitters. The Rockies collected nine hits, but struck out six times and managed one run in 6 2/3 innings against Oswalt, as he made his Rangers debut. The victory improved Oswalt (1-0) -- pitching in the Majors for the first time since last Sept. 27 -- to 9-2 with a 1.90 ERA in 13 starts against Colorado.
Rockies starter Christian Friedrich threw 49 strikes on 73 pitches, struck out four, walked one and gave up seven hits -- but two were two-out home runs, to Adrian Beltre for two first-inning runs immediately after a walk to Josh Hamilton, and to Mike Napoli in the fourth.
"Friedrich was efficient most of the night," Colorado manager Jim Tracy said. "You're not going to pitch six innings and do it in less than 75 pitches if you're not efficient, and the efficiency came with his fastball. He threw a lot of strikes with his fastball and he showed you some real good breaking pitches at times."
Oswalt's last Major League game before Friday was against the Cardinals in the NL Division Series last season. Teams avoided him in free agency this winter, after noting that back problems forced him to the disabled list twice last year. Oswalt, however, looked as good as new.
Before Dexter Fowler tripled and Marco Scutaro doubled in the seventh for the Rockies' only run, Oswalt left Colorado 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position. Before the Fowler and Scutaro hits, he worked Jonathan Herrera into a double-play grounder.
Official: Friday's Box Score.
Rockies rookie catcher Wilin Rosario had three hits, Chris Nelson had two, and Carlos Gonzalez, whose throw to the plate to cut down Yorvit Torrealba and ended a threat in the second helped Friedrich, doubled. However, Scutaro's was the only big hit.
Tickets are available for the Rockies’ next home game vs. the Washington Nationals on June 25th, and can be purchased by calling (800) 388-ROCK, or click here.
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