The Colorado Rockies haven’t had much success after April in the past, but something seems to be different this year.
On Wednesday, former Rockies pitcher Jason Hirsh joined Eric Goodman and Les Shapiro on Afternoon Drive on Mile High Sports AM 1340 to discuss the Rockies recent success.
“This is definitely a different ball club than we’ve seen in years past,” Hirsh said. “The starting pitching staff, anchored by Chad Bettis, is doing remarkably well, especially on the road.”
The Rockies now have an ERA of 4.78, which is pretty impressive considering they have to play half of their games at Coors Field.
Usually at this time of year, the team ERA begins a steady climb, which correlates to a declining record. This time around, the Rockies ERA has dropped from 5.50 in April, to 3.76 in May.
“Right now, the Rockies are getting ahead early and then they are able to shut the door down on the opposing teams, and keep that door closed when it comes late in the ballgames,” Hirsh said.
It helps quite a bit that the starting pitchers have been able to go deeper into games. This relieves the bullpen’s workload so they can stay fresh longer into the season.
Currently the Rockies are on a nine-game road trip, and they are facing the St. Louis Cardinals, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Boston Red Sox, who are all over .500.
When asked what he thinks a successful road trip would be, Hirsh responded, “If they can come away at .500 or just under or over it, I think it would be a successful trip for the Rockies.”
At just two and a half games back of the NL West lead, the Rockies are hot on the Giants’ tail, and they are showing no signs of slowing down.
To hear more, listen to the full discussion in the podcast below.
https://soundcloud.com/milehighsports/5-18-16-jason-hirsh-joins-afternoon-drive-and-says-rockies-pitching-has-been-huge-in-recent-success
Catch Afternoon Drive every weekday from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. on Mile High Sports AM 1340 or stream live any time for the best coverage of Colorado sports from Denver’s biggest sports talk lineup.
