SB Nation Denver - Rockies Denied Sweep After Bullpen Blowup In 8th Inninghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48907/denver-fave.png2011-07-31T17:11:24-06:00http://denver.sbnation.com/rss/stream/20678572011-07-31T17:11:24-06:002011-07-31T17:11:24-06:00Rockies Vs. Padres: Colorado Unsurprisingly Loses On Sunday After Poor 8th Inning
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.purplerow.com/">Colorado Rockies</a> appeared close to ending their Sunday losing streak by holding a lead into the bottom of the eighth inning. However, things were not to be and the Rockies wound up losing, 8-3, spoiling <span>Juan Nicasio</span>'s gem of a start.</p>
<p>The Rockies entered the bottom of the eighth with a slim 3-2 lead. <span>Ryan Spilborghs</span> hit a sacrifice fly in the second inning and then saw <span>Troy Tulowitzki</span> single in <span>Dexter Fowler</span> in the next inning. <span>Chris Nelson</span>'s RBI single in the fifth put the Rockies' third run on the board.</p>
<p><span>Rex Brothers</span> relieved Juan Nicasio, who struck out 10 and allowed two runs in seven innings, to start the bottom of the eight. After a leadoff walk, <span>Chase Headley</span> laced a ball to right field for the game-tying RBI on a triple. Brothers walked <span>Kyle Blanks</span> and left the game. Jesus Guzman Logan Forsythe, <span>Luis Martinez</span> and <span>Rob Johnson</span> drove in five more runs (aided by poor defense on Dexter Fowler's part) before <span>Edgmer Escalona</span> entered the game. He got the final out of the inning.</p>
<p>The Rockies (51-57, 25-31 away) head back to Coors Field for a series with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/">Philadelphia Phillies</a>.</p>
<p><i><b>For more on the Rockies, visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.purplerow.com/">Purple Row</a>. Check out <a target="_blank" href="http://www.gaslampball.com/">Gaslamp Ball</a> for more on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.gaslampball.com/">Padres</a>.</b></i></p>
https://denver.sbnation.com/colorado-rockies/2011/7/31/2308088/rockies-losing-streak-sundayRuss Oates2011-07-31T09:00:44-06:002011-07-31T09:00:44-06:00Rockies Vs. Padres: Colorado Looks For New Beginning After Ubaldo Jimenez Trade
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.purplerow.com/">Colorado Rockies</a> being the post-<span>Ubaldo Jimenez</span> era by concluding their three-game series with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.gaslampball.com/">San Diego Padres</a>. A chance at a sweep is possible.</p>
<p><span>Juan Nicasio</span> (4-3, 4.24 ERA) takes the mound for this Sunday effort. He will look to make up for his previous effort against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a>. In that start, he allowed five runs in 5-2/3 innings. But Nicasio was outstanding in his two starts before that. He allowed one runs in 14 combined innings against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brewcrewball.com/">Brewers</a> and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Braves</a>. Nicasio faced the Padres in Coors Field back in June, striking out nine and allowing two runs in six innings.</p>
<p><span>Wade LeBlanc</span> draws the start after <span>Dustin Moseley</span> was injured. LeBlanc will begin his third stint with the Padres this season, after making one appearance in April and two in June. One of those June starts was against the Rockies in Coors Field. He allowed three runs in 4-2/3 innings, but took the loss, 6-3. He is 9-1 in Triple-A, but he has a 4.30 ERA.</p>
<p>First pitch is scheduled for 2:10 p.m. MT.</p>
<p><i><b>For more on the Rockies, visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.purplerow.com/">Purple Row</a>. Check out <a target="_blank" href="http://www.gaslampball.com/">Gaslamp Ball</a> for more on the Padres.</b></i></p>
https://denver.sbnation.com/colorado-rockies/2011/7/31/2306607/rockies-vs-padres-juan-nicasio-wade-leblancRuss Oates2011-07-30T21:46:48-06:002011-07-30T21:46:48-06:00Rockies Vs. Padres:
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.purplerow.com/">Colorado Rockies</a> defeated the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.gaslampball.com/">San Diego Padres</a>, 10-6, in a strange, strange night. <span>Ubaldo Jimenez</span> was scheduled to start for the Rockies, but a potential trade to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/">Cleveland Indians</a> cropped up before the game. Still, Jimenez was scheduled to start.</p>
<p><span>Troy Tulowitzki</span> gave the Rockies a 2-0 lead on his 20th home run of the season, but Jimenez came out jittery, allowing four runs on two hits and four walks. It didn't help that Esmil Rogers was warming up in the bullpen as Jimenez pitched in the first inning. Jimenez finished the inning on his 45h pitch and then said goodbye to his former teammates.</p>
<p>Rogers (4-1, 7.31 ERA) took over for Jimenez and held the Padres to one run on one hit and one walk in five innings. <span>Eliezer Alfonzo</span> had the big night with a grand slam in the sixth inning and a bases-loaded walk in the seventh inning. Tulowitzki added his third RBI of the night with a double in the eighth.</p>
<p>The Rockies (51-56, 25-30 away) go for the sweep on Sunday at 2:05 p.m. MT. <span>Juan Nicasio</span> and <span>Wade LeBlanc</span> are scheduled to start.</p>
<p><i><b>For more on the Rockies, visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.purplerow.com/">Purple Row</a>. Check out <a target="_blank" href="http://www.gaslampball.com/">Gaslamp Ball</a> for more on the Padres.</b></i></p>
https://denver.sbnation.com/colorado-rockies/2011/7/30/2306565/ubaldo-jimenez-trade-start-rockies-padresRuss Oates2011-07-30T15:21:44-06:002011-07-30T15:21:44-06:00Jorge Cantu, Colorado Rockies Reach Contract Agreement, According To Report
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<p><span>Jorge Cantu</span>, who last played a major league game in June against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.purplerow.com/">Colorado Rockies</a>, has signed a contract with the Rockies, according to <a target="_blank" href="http://purobeisbol.com.mx/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9100&Itemid=1">Hector Bencomo of Puro Beisbol</a> (Spanish link, via <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2011/07/rockies-sign-jorge-cantu.html">MLB Trade Rumors</a>). This is a depth move, as he likely to head to Triple-A Colorado Springs.</p>
<p>Cantu can play first base, second base and third base, but his batting skills in 2011 leave much to be desired. Playing for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.gaslampball.com/">Padres</a>, Cantu hit below the Mendoza Line. He is a career .271 hitter with a .755 OPS.</p>
<p>This could be, I stress could be, the prelude to the Rockies trading <span>Ty Wigginton</span> or <span>Ian Stewart</span> before the deadline, giving the Rockies a player to call up. But that depends on a trade actually taking place and who the Rockies receive in return. At this point, the Rockies should be asking for prospects in return for these players.</p>
<p><i><b>For more on the Rockies, visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.purplerow.com/">Purple Row</a>.</b></i></p>
https://denver.sbnation.com/colorado-rockies/2011/7/30/2305998/jorge-cantu-colorado-rockiesRuss Oates2011-07-30T10:00:45-06:002011-07-30T10:00:45-06:00Rockies Vs. Padres: Ubaldo Jimenez Pitches In A Colorado Uniform ... For Now
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<p>Will this be <span>Ubaldo Jimenez</span>'s last start with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.purplerow.com/">Colorado Rockies</a>? Trade rumors continue to swirl around him and there's just one more day to go until the 2011 MLB Trade Deadline. Could a sharp performance convince a team to sell the farm and give general manager Dan O'Dowd what he wants? Time will tell.</p>
<p>Jimenez (6-9, 4.20 ERA) didn't pitch all that well in his last start. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Diamondbacks</a> tagged him for five runs in five innings. That broke a string of 10 starts in which he allowed no more than three earned runs (there was that one game he allowed seven runs, but just two were earned). He has struck out 61 batters over that span. One of those starts did come in San Diego, allowing two runs in the 2-0 loss to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.gaslampball.com/">Padres</a>.</p>
<p><span>Aaron Harang</span> (9-2, 3.45 ERA) was touched up for seven runs in a May start against Colorado in Coors Field, but this will be his first start against the Rockies at home this season. Harang enters the game on a two-game winning streak, but he allowed seven runs over those two games. His two starts before then, both no-decisions, were impressive six-inning and seven-inning shutout performances. The former saw him allow zero hits but three walks.</p>
<p>First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. MT.</p>
<p><i><b>For more on the Rockies, visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.purplerow.com/">Purple Row</a>. Check out <a target="_blank" href="http://www.gaslampball.com/">Gaslamp Ball</a> for more on the Padres.</b></i></p>
https://denver.sbnation.com/colorado-rockies/2011/7/30/2304743/rockies-vs-padres-ubaldo-jimenez-trade-rumorsRuss Oates2011-07-30T01:31:36-06:002011-07-30T01:31:36-06:00Hammel's Strong Start Leads To Rockies 3-2 Victory Over Padres
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<p><font size="2"><font class="TSN1"> San Diego, CA (Sports Network) - <span>Jason Hammel</span> worked into the seventh inning to help the Colorado <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.purplerow.com/">Rockies</a> take a 3-2 win over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.gaslampball.com/">San Diego Padres</a> in the opener of a three-game set. </font></font></p>
<p><font size="2"><font class="TSN1"> Hammel (6-10) snapped a two-start losing streak as he gave up just two runs on five hits with three walks and five strikeouts. </font></font></p>
<p><font size="2"><font class="TSN1"> "Knowing that I was throwing strikes on the inside of the plate kept them honest out there," said Hammel. "It's all about placement in this game cause it's what you have to do in the league to stay successful." </font></font></p>
<p><font size="2"><font class="TSN1"> Troy Tulowitzki went 2-for-4 with a run scored while <span>Ian Stewart</span> and Chris Iannetta each drove in a run for the Rockies, who have won their past two. </font></font></p>
<p><font size="2"><font class="TSN1"> <span>Tim Stauffer</span> (6-8) dropped his second straight start as he was touched for all three runs on eight hits with a walk and three strikeouts over seven innings. </font></font></p>
<p><font size="2"><font class="TSN1"> "There was a combination of things out there tonight," said Stauffer. "We played a good game out there, but they took better advantage of their chances." </font></font></p>
<p><font size="2"><font class="TSN1"> Orlando Hudson went 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored while <span>Cameron Maybin</span> was 3-for-5 with a run scored for the Padres, who have dropped three of four. </font></font></p>
<p><font size="2"><font class="TSN1"> Colorado jumped on top in the second inning. Tulowitzki and <span>Seth Smith</span> each singled to start the inning and moved up a base on a <span>Mark Ellis</span> groundout. Stewart then singled home Tulowitzki and Iannetta followed with a single to plate Smith. After a double-steal, Stauffer was called for a balk that allowed Stewart to score for a 3-0 lead. </font></font></p>
<p><font size="2"><font class="TSN1"> The Padres got on the board in the third. With one out, Cameron Maybin doubled and moved to third on a wild pitch. An infield single from <span>Orlando Hudson</span> plated Maybin. After Hudson stole second, <span>Chase Headley</span> punched a single to right to make it a 3-2 game. </font></font></p>
<p><font size="2"><font class="TSN1"> The Padres left runners on first and third in the fifth then threatened again in the seventh. With one out, <span>Kyle Blanks</span> worked a walk and Hammel stepped aside for <span>Matt Lindstrom</span>, who struck out Maybin but allowed Hudson to reach base with a single. </font></font></p>
<p><font size="2"><font class="TSN1"> Matt Reynolds then took the mound and walked Headley to load the bases before Matt Belisle stepped out of the bullpen and induced a pop out from Ryan Ludwick to end the inning. </font></font></p>
<p><font size="2"><font class="TSN1"> Rafael Betancourt worked a 1-2-3 eighth inning while <span>Huston Street</span> rebounded from a two-out double by Maybin in the ninth by getting Hudson to groundout for his 28th save of the season. </font></font></p>
<p><font size="2"><font class="TSN1"> Game Notes </font></font></p>
<p><font size="2"><font class="TSN1"> Before the game, the Padres announced that pitcher <span>Clayton Richard</span> will miss the rest of the season as he had arthroscopic surgery on Friday...Colorado has taken six of 10 from the Padres this season...The Padres left nine men on base...Stauffer fell to 3-3 in nine career games against the Rockies...Hammel improved to 4-2 lifetime against San Diego. </font></font></p>
https://denver.sbnation.com/colorado-rockies/2011/7/30/2304977/hammels-strong-start-leads-to-rockies-3-2-victory-over-padresMuzia2011-07-29T14:39:45-06:002011-07-29T14:39:45-06:00Rockies Vs. Padres: Colorado Continues Road Trip By Moving West
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.purplerow.com/">Colorado Rockies</a> visit the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.gaslampball.com/">San Diego Padres</a> for a weekend series. The Padres are the only NL West team the Rockies have a winning record (5-4) against so far this season. This will be their second trip to San Diego, where they are 2-1 in 2011.</p>
<p>After dropping four straight games, the Rockies did pick up a win against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> on Wednesday night. They will look for <span>Jason Hammel</span> (5-10, 4.75 ERA) to continue the winning streak. Hammel, though, has been lit up in his previous two starts. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Diamondbacks</a> put eight runs on the board against him in 5-2/3 innings and six runs in five innings in the start before that.</p>
<p>The Padres enter this series having dropped two of three to the Diamondbacks, but they did win on Thursday. <span>Tim Stauffer</span> (6-7, 3.05 ERA) takes the mound. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/">Phillies</a> got to him in his last start by scoring five runs off of him in 5-2/3 innings. He walked four. In his start against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/teams/florida-marlins">Marlins</a> before that, Stauffer shut them out for six innings. He'll look to put up another start like that against the Rockies, though he'll want to do better and accomplish what he did on June 7. In the Padres' 2-0 victory, Stauffer threw eight innings of shutout ball, allowed four hits and struck out eight.</p>
<p><i><b>For more on the Rockies, visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.purplerow.com">Purple Row</a>. Check out <a target="_blank" href="http://www.gaslampball.com">Gaslamp Ball</a> for more on the Padres.</b></i></p>
https://denver.sbnation.com/2011/7/29/2338679/rockies-vs-padres-colorado-continues-road-trip-by-moving-westRuss Oates