The Colorado Rockies needed a big win, and they got one on Friday against the Reds. After pushing his bullpen to its near limit on Thursday in a day/night double-header, Bud Black needed a good, long outing from Tyler Anderson. Colorado’s ‘pen logged eight innings on Thursday, so when Anderson was able to give them six on Friday, it was a welcome relief. The fact that Colorado’s bats exploded for 12 runs didn’t hurt either.
The Rockies took the first of a three-game series in Cincinnati 12-6, improving to 27-16 on the year – best in the National League
Anderson entered Friday’s game having completed six innings just once this year in eight starts. His 6.43 ERA was almost double what he logged in 19 starts as a rookie. He was far from perfect against the Reds, allowing two runs on four hits and two walks, but he gave the Rockies plenty of breathing room as the offense finally came to life following Thursday night’s two-hit shutout loss. Anderson improved to 3-4 and dropped his ERA to 6.00 in the win. Jordan Lyles and Jake McGee gave Black a little reason to sweat, giving up a combined four runs on six hits in their three combined innings, but McGee struck out the final two batters to send the Rockies back to the team hotel with a win.
The Rockies offense gave Anderson an early lead with a pair of runs before he even took the mound. Mark Reynolds, who had another big night, opened the scoring with an RBI single. He gave the Rockies more breathing room with a two-out, two-run double in the ninth inning when Cincinnati had managed to creep back into the game. On the night Reynolds was 3-for-5 with three RBI and a run scored. He singled and scored as part of an eight-run sixth inning that sent 15 Rockies to the plate. It was only the second time in club history that the Rockies nine or more hits in one inning on the road.
Six Rockies had multi-hit nights, including Alexi Amarista. The shortstop hit a three-run home run in the sixth as part of a three-hit, four-RBI night for Colorado. Nolan Arenado hit his 11th home run of the season, and Charlie Blackmon and DJ LeMahieu each scored three runs. Most importantly, the big guns in the bullpen got a night off.
Colorado and Cincinnati continue their series on Saturday at Great American Ballpark. First pitch is 2:10 p.m. MDT. Antonio Senzatela (6-1, 3.31 ERA) will try and again tie Clayton Kershaw for the NL lead in wins for Colorado.