The Colorado Rockies won their third game in a row when they defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers, 6-5, on Friday night. It is the team's longest winning streak since they won seven in a row from April 9-15. It was a solid offensive showing by the bats and another outstanding performance by Jhoulys Chacin. But the bullpen left things to be desired in the ninth inning.
The Rockies, who had one run on 14 hits against the Dodgers in LA on May 30, collected 17 hits to score six runs. Dodgers starter Chad Billingsley lasted just 4.2 innings and allowed all six runs on 13 hits.
Troy Tulowitzki started it with a home run to left field in the second inning, his 12th of the season and first since May 17. The Rockies struck for a five-spot in the fifth inning. After starter Jhoulys Chacin started the inning with a ground out, Carlos Gonzalez reached second on a bunt single and a throwing error by Casey Blake. Gonzalez moved to third on a Chris Nelson single, though Nelson moved to second since left fielder Trent Oeltjen bobbled the ball. Runners were in scoring position.
Todd Helton came to the plate and knocked out a two-run single. Tulowitzki singled and a wild pitch by Billingsley moved Helton to third and Tulowitzki to second. Seth Smith singled both of them in. Chris Iannetta drove in the sixth run on a single before Billingsley got the hook.
Jhoulys Chacin (7-4) threw eight shutout innings, struck out nine and held the Dodgers to three hits. His pitch count kept him from going back out to the ninth. In came Matt Belisle for the final three outs, but he ran into trouble and gave up two runs, one on a Matt Kemp homer. Huston Street came in and allowed both inherited runners to score and his own runner as well. But he hot Trent Oeltjen to strike out looking to end the game, picking up his 19th save.
The Rockies (31-32, 15-15 home) continue this series on Saturday at 6:10 p.m. MT. Jason Hammel and Ted Lilly are the scheduled starters
For more on the Rockies, Purple Row is your destination. For the Dodgers, visit True Blue LA and SB Nation Los Angeles.