It’s been a rough week for the Colorado Rockies, both on the field and in the trainer’s room. After starting their road trip with a win on Monday, the Rox were blown out in consecutive games by the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The Diamondbacks racked up 21 runs on 28 hits in their victories on Tuesday on Wednesday. They were led by the red-hot bats of Paul Goldschmidt and Mark Trumbo – who combined to go 16-26 in the series.
Goldschmidt registered three hits in all three games of the series – marking the longest three-game hitting streak of his career. The 27-year-old first baseman finished the series with nine hits, four RBIs, and four runs scored. He’s on a 14-game hitting streak.
Trumbo went 7-for-12 with five RBIs, a homerun, a triple, and a double against the Rockies. The right fielder has gotten on base in 16 straight appearances against Colorado.
The Rockies continued to wear down their bullpen – which already leads the league in innings worked. Their starting pitchers combined to go just 14 and one-thirds innings in the three starts.
To make matters worse, the Rockies were forced to place newly appointed closer Adam Ottavino on the 15-day disabled list with what was originally called “triceps inflammation” in his right arm. An MRI revealed irritation in the righty’s elbow as well, meaning Ottavino’s absence will be longer than expected.
Ottavino joins the team’s Opening-Day closer, LaTroy Hawkins (triceps inflammation), on the disabled list. Veteran right-handed pitcher John Axford has taken over as the closer for the time being.
Game 1, April 27 – Rockies 5 – Diamondbacks 4
Justin Morneau hit a three-run bomb in the first inning and Colorado hung on to squeak out a 5-4 win on Monday. The Rockies totaled 11 hits, led by Corey Dickerson’s three-hit, one RBI performance.
Arizona broke a 20-inning scoreless drought when they finally got on board in the fifth inning.
Tyler Matzek (2-0) was putting together another solid start before he was forced to leave the game with a hamstring cramp after throwing just one pitch in the sixth inning. He allowed two earned runs and five hits in five innings before leaving. The game was the 10th straight start in which Matzek allowed two earned runs or less. The lefty is expected to make his next start.
“I feel fine.” Matzek said after the game. “It just was cramping up. I didn’t wanna push it.”
Troy Tulowitzki made a rare error in the eighth inning that let the Diamondbacks pull within one run.
John Axford got in trouble in the ninth inning, but was able to pitch out of trouble to earn his third save in a Rockies’ jersey.
Game 2, April 28 – Rockies 5 – Diamondbacks 12
It was an ugly first inning for Kyle Kendrick (1-3) in his fifth start of the season. The veteran righty allowed four hits and three runs in his first seven pitches to put his team in an early hole.
The Diamondbacks recorded a season-high with 12 runs on 15 hits and ended a five-game losing streak to the Rockies.
Kendrick was eventually pulled after allowing eight earned runs and 10 hits in just four and a one-thirds innings. He allowed two doubles and a homerun in the fifth inning before manager Walt Weiss pulled the plug.
There was a scary moment in the second inning when Diamondbacks starter Archie Bradley (2-0) was struck in the side of the face with a line drive by Carlos Gonzalez. Bradley was able to get up to his feet and walk off under his own power. He was placed on the 15-day DL with a sinus fracture.
The Rockies had 13 hits on the day, but managed just five runs. They left the bases loaded in the second and third innings. Charlie Blackmon had three hits, two RBIs, and two runs in the loss.
Trumbo was a double away from completing the cycle. The 29-year-old was simply unstoppable – finishing the contest 4-for-4 with a 447-foot homerun, a triple, and 4 RBIs.
Game 3, April 29 – Rockies 1 – Diamondbacks 9
Former Rockies’ catcher Jordan Pacheco’s three-run homer in the fifth inning blew the game wide open for the Diamondbacks as they easily took the rubber match on Wednesday night at Chase Field. Yasmany Tomas chipped in two hits and three RBIs.
Arizona scored five runs in the fifth innings to derail was looking like a quality start for Jordan Lyles (2-2). The 24-year-old righty allowed seven runs (six earned) on eight hits with five walks in five innings.
Josh Collmenter was stellar on the mound for the Diamondbacks. The righty allowed just one run while striking out six with zero walks in eight impressive innings.
DJ LeMahieu was given the day off for rest, but Weiss likely regretted that decision early in the game. Daniel Descalso made a throwing error that allowed Arizona’s first run in the first inning in relief of LeMahieu at second base.
The Rockies head to southern California next for a three-game series with the San Diego Padres to wrap up their road trip.
Nathan is a staff writer for Mile High Sports. He can be reached on Twitter at @TheRealNatron.