Make that three losses in a row for the Colorado Rockies. Shifting the playing scene to Los Angeles didn't help, as the Dodgers picked up an 8-5 victory on Monday night. A strong pitching performance by Rubby De La Rosa strangled the Rockies' offense, but there was a wild ninth inning.
De La Rosa (4-4, 3.49 ERA) held the Rockies to one run on three hits and four walks in six innings. He allowed that one run on a Dexter Fowler RBI single in the second inning. It was the only time the Rockies had the lead in the game. Matt Guerrier and Kenley Jansen struck out five over the next two innings.
But the Rockies did have a breakthrough in the ninth inning when Hong-Chih Kuo had all sorts of trouble. Seth Smith started the inning with a single, moved to second on fielder's indifference and wound up on third following a wild pitch. Eric Young Jr. walked and advanced to second on fielder's indifference. Ian Stewart grounded out, but scored Smith. Kuo got the hook after he walked Chris Iannetta, but Mike MacDougal came in and walked Ryan Spilborghs.
Dexter Fowler came through again and drove in two on a single. Jason Giambi pinch hit for Mark Ellis and reached on poor defense by the Dodgers. He left the game limping, but the bases were loaded for Todd Helton. MacDougal had to work deep into the count and wound up forcing in a run by walking Helton. Troy Tulowitzki came up to the plate and popped out with the infield fly rule in effect and Seth Smith grounded out to end the game.
Juan Nicasio (4-3, 4.24 ERA) allowed five runs in 5-2/3 innings. Aaron Miles and Juan Rivera each doubled in a run, while Andre Ethier came up with a two-run home run and Dioner Navarro singled in a run. Recently recalled Esmil Rogers allowed three runs in the eighth inning on a ground out and two singles.
The Rockies (48-55, 22-29 road) look for better things on Tuesday with Jhoulys Chacin facing Clayton Kershaw.
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