The Colorado Rockies defeated the Cinncinati Reds Friday evening at Great American Ball Park by a score of 12-2.
The victory improved the Rockies’ record to 49-55 on the season.
The Rockies have now won back-to-back games and own a record of 3-4 on their current road trip. Friday’s victory was the fifth for the Rockies in the month of July.
Ahead are takeaways from the victory.
Marquez deals
The Rockies pitching woes this year have been no secret.
The Rockies inability to put forth quality starts has hurt them in the second half of the season. However, despite the recent pitching woes, Rockies’ starting pitcher German Marquez was stellar versus the Reds Friday evening.
Marquez has been sharp on the road all season, posting a 5-3 record to pair with a 3.25 earned run average away from Coors Field this season entering Friday’s start.
The Rockies provided Marquez with run support from the jump, establishing a 3-0 lead in the first inning.
Marquez did a phenomenal job preserving the lead while the Rockies continued to pile on the runs.
The 24-year-old pitcher kept the Reds in check by blending his fastball with his offspeed pitches which proved to be devastating.
Additionally, Marquez had excellent command of his pitches and was efficient on the mound. Marquez hurled no more than 25 pitches in a single inning and managed to go seven strong.
Marquez departed with a line of seven innings pitched, allowing two runs on five hits while striking out seven batters.
Blackmon heating up
Rockies leadoff man Charlie Blackmon has been stellar at the plate this season. While a majority of the Rockies’ lineup has struggled since the All-Star break, Blackmon has thrived. The veteran outfielder is hitting .357 (60-for-168) since June 10.
Blackmon is currently on a seven-game hitting streak, and he has reached base safely in 14 of the Rockies’ last 20 road games.
Blackmon’s brilliance continued against the Reds as he collected a pair of hits, including an RBI double in the fourth inning.
Blackmon also flashed his leather in right field, making a sensational catch that prevented a Reds’ home run.
When you think about it… a mullet is just a cape for your head 🦸♂️ pic.twitter.com/20lSq6TZsT
— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) July 27, 2019
Murphy continues to swing the bat well
The first half of the season was a rough go around for Rockies’ first baseman Daniel Murphy. Between dealing with injuries and adjusting to a new club, Murphy was unable to establish consistency early in 2019.
However, Murphy has flipped a switch since the start of second half and has been sensational for Colorado at the dish. Murphy is hitting .352 (19-for-54) in 15 games since the midsummer classic.
Additionally, Murphy has been one of the best hitters in the National League since the end of June, posting a batting average of .426 (40-for-94) since June 23 which ranks fifth in the NL during that span.
Murphy stayed hot in Cincinnati by crushing a three-run home run in the first inning of Friday’s game to establish an early lead for Colorado.
Daniel Murphy. So hot right now 🔥 pic.twitter.com/S1l03dCHhq
— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) July 26, 2019
Murphy added some insurance runs in the ninth inning where he hit a bases-clearing double to put the game out of reach.
Murphy’s two hits Friday put him at 1,500 for his career.