Not dead yet. The Colorado Rockies rallied for four runs in the eighth inning to defeat the Arizona Diamondbacks, 6-2 Friday night.
Led by starting pitcher German Marquez, who struck out 11 hitters in seven strong innings, the Rockies (83-70) were able to keep things close while the hitters struggled early. Marquez (13-10) gave up a two-run home run in the bottom of the first inning to David Peralta. The 23-year old was able to respond with six consecutive scoreless innings though.
In the strong performance, Marquez was able to throw first pitch strikes against 19 of the 26 batters he faced. That ability to command the strike zone early, set him up for success later in counts and was also a big reason that he was able to toss seven innings with double-digit strikeouts.
#Rockies starter German Márquez tallied his 11th consecutive quality starter on Friday.
— Rockies Club Information (@RockiesClubInfo) September 22, 2018
Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zack Greinke (14-11) kept the Rockies off the board through the first four innings. The crafty veteran worked was able to work both sides of the plate and was able to retire the first 12 hitters he faced.
The Rockies were able to cut into Arizona’s lead with one run in the fifth inning and another in the sixth to tie the game at 2-2. With the game tied in the eighth inning, the Rockies were able to bat around the lineup, recording four hits and four runs in the process.
After struggling to produce with runners in position in all three of the losses to Los Angeles this week, the biggest key in the victory was Colorado’s ability to come up with timely hits. The Rockies were five-of-eighth with runners in position and four different players recorded a two-out RBI against Arizona Friday night.
In the rally, Nolan Arenado was able to pick up his 102nd of the 2018 season, but it was another quiet night at the plate for the veteran third baseman. Arenado had only hit in four at-bats.
With a four-run lead, Wade Davis closed things down for the Rockies in the bottom of the ninth inning.
Following the crucial victory Friday night, the Rockies now have 42 road wins this season, which is a franchise record. The Rockies will need a few more wins away from Coors Field if the team is going to find a way to sneak into the playoffs.