For being only a two-game series, the Colorado Rockies and Cleveland Indians sure packed in a whole lot of drama. After Yan Gomes walked off MLB saves leader Greg Holland with a three-run home run on Tuesday night, the Rockies got redemption on Wednesday with a 3-2, 12-inning victory to split the series.
Charlie Blackmon played a major role in both games. In the opener, he homered on the second pitch of the game to score Colorado’s only run. Later that night, he couldn’t snag a line drive with two outs in the ninth to let the tying run score. On Wednesday, Blackmon’s solo home run in the top of the 12th inning off Zach McAllister proved to be the difference in the game.
The entire series was dominated by pitching on both sides. On Wednesday, Colorado got a solid effort from rookie Antonio Senzatela (5.0 IP, 5 H, 2R, 3 BB, 5K). A two-run home run to Francisco Lindor was the only offense Senzatela and the Rockies would allow.
Chris Rusin (2.1 IP), Adam Ottavino (0.1 IP) and Jake McGee (1.1 IP) got the Rockies through nine, allowing just two hits between them.
Alexi Amarista led off the third inning with a home run to open the scoring. Carlos Gonzalez and Jonathan Lucroy returned the ninth-inning heartache favor to the Indians when Lucroy scored Gonzalez from first with one out to tie the game.
Carlos Estevez (5-0, 7.23 ERA) pitched the 10th and 11th, allowing only one walk, to earn the win. Tyler Chatwood, in his second appearance out of the bullpen this season, pitched a 1-2-3 12th to pick up the second save of his career.
The Rockies are off on Thursday before beginning a weekend series with the Marlins in Miami.