Things continue to spiral out of control for the Colorado Rockies – who have now lost 11-consecutive games after being swept on the road by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Colorado’s losing streak is currently tied for the second longest in their franchise history. The Rockies have played four series’ since they last won a game on April 27.
The Rockies pitching staff gave them a chance to win both games in Anaheim, but their allegedly powerful offense managed just three runs in the two-game series. Colorado’s starters didn’t throw a walk in either game.
As if things weren’t going poorly enough for the Rockies already, manager Walt Weiss missed Wednesday night’s ballgame and underwent an emergency appendectomy at a hospital in Anaheim. Bench coach Tom Runnells is filling for Weiss in his absence – which is only expected to last a couple of days.
Game 1 – Rockies 2 – Angels 5
The Rockies wasted a rare quality start by Kyle Kendrick (1-4) and blew a two-run lead in a 5-2 to the Angels on Tuesday.
Kendrick allowed two earned runs in seven solid innings. He didn’t walk a batter, struck out five, and allowed seven hits.
Despite the impressive outing, Kendrick was outdueled by C.J. Wilson’s (2-2) eight inning performance. Wilson allowed two runs on five hits with six punch outs.
The game was tied at 2-2 in the eighth inning, but Johnny Giavotella’s RBI single and Matt Joyce’s two-run double gave the Angels a three-run lead that they wouldn’t relinquish. Joyce finished the game three RBIs. Kole Calhoun registered three hits.
Troy Tulowitzki and Corey Dickerson drove in a runs for Colorado. Dickerson and Justin Morneau each had two-hit games and a double in the losing effort. Nick Hundley extended his career-long hitting streak to 13 games.
Game 2 – Rockies 1 – Angles 2 F/11
The Rockies had a a great chance to end their losing streak with their bench boss in the hospital, but Mike Trout and the Angels denied them in extra innings on Wednesday. The Rockies ripped off 10 hits, but scored just one run in 11 innings.
Trout changed the outcome of the game with his glove. The 23-year- old superstar stole two go-ahead runs from the Rockies in extra innings. First, he erased a Troy Tulowitzki homerun with a catch over the center field wall. He followed that up with a perfect throw from center field to double up Carlos Gonzalez at home plate in the 11th inning.
Albert Puhols hit a walk off sacrifice fly in the 11th inning to complete the sweep for the Angels. Taylor Featherston — a former Rockies farm team play – scored the game-winning run.
Jordan Lyles was forced from the game after just one inning. He took a Puhols come-backer off of his pitching hand — which swelled up but didn’t fracture. Christian Bergman stepped up in a big way after Lyles left the game. Bergman went five and a third – allowing three hits, one run, and striking out four.
Justin Morneau, who has concussion history, was also forced from the game with dizziness after attempting to make a diving atch in the eighth inning.
Hector Santiago (2-2) allowed one or less runs for the fifth time this season. He allowed one run on seven hits in six innings. The Angels’ bullpen didn’t allow a run in five innings in relief of Santiago.
Nathan is a staff writer for Mile High Sports. He can be reached on Twitter at @TheRealNatron.