Rookies Lead Rockies to 6-2 Win Over Philly
Lead by the performance of a pair of rookies, the Colorado Rockies (34-52) topped the visiting Philadelphia Phillies (37-51) 6-2 last night. Rookie right-hander Christian Friedrich struck out seven and gave up one run on five hits over six innings. Rookie shortstop Josh Rutledge had a single, a double, an RBI, and a walk in his first MLB appearance. Game 2 of the three-game series is tonight at 6:10 at Coors Field (TV: Root Sports).
Friedrich's performance tied for the second-most innings of his career and tied for his longest since the Rockies went to a four-man rotation with a conservative pitch count. He threw 82 pitches Friday night. It was just the third win by a Rockies starter since June 4, but those three have come in the past seven games, and the Rockies have won four of those.
Friedrich had gone 1-3 with a 9.62 ERA at Coors Field this season. Even more, Friedrich showed that he learned from his last outing. He had given up one run in four innings, but a walk to the opposing pitcher led to his fifth inning spinning out of control. He lasted just 4 1/3 innings in a loss to the Cardinals.
Official: Friday's Box Score.
Shortstop Josh Rutledge, called up from Double-A Tulsa because first baseman Todd Helton went to the disabled list Friday with right hip soreness, doubled in a run with his first at-bat, singled in his second and added an RBI with a sacrifice fly his third Major League plate appearance. Rutledge followed that by drawing a seventh-inning walk from reliever Michael Schwimer and stealing second.
"I can't even describe the feeling," Rutledge said.
Left fielder Carlos Gonzalez celebrated his first All-Star appearance on Tuesday with three hits, including a double. Michael Cuddyer, who has found his swing this month after a .212 batting average in June, doubled, tripled and scored twice. Catcher Ramon Hernandez singled in a run after missing 42 games with a left hand strain.
Tickets are available for tonight’s game vs. the Philadelphia Phillies at Coors Field, and can be purchased by calling (800) 388-ROCK, or click here.
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