The anointing of Aaron Cook became official Thursday afternoon at Coors Field.
The Rockies’ redheaded right-hander nearly threw a complete-game shutout, made the defensive play of the day and led the Rockies to a 4-2 victory over San Diego. The victory was Cook’s sixth consecutive winning decision, setting a franchise record for a starter.
“He’s the ace of the staff right now,” manager Clint Hurdle confirmed.
As the Rockies prepare to put 2005 in their rearview mirror, questions remain about how they will address their bullpen, catching and center field positions next year. But any questions about Cook seem to have been answered.
“He was amazing,” said first baseman Todd Helton, who hit a two-run home run to right in the seventh to give provide Colorado a 4-0 lead.
Too bad so few fans got to witness the Rockies’ present, and quite possibly future, king of the hill at his best. Thursday’s announced crowd of 18,119 was the smallest home crowd in franchise history. Those in attendance rose as one to give Cook a standing ovation when he departed in the ninth.
“It feels good, just knowing that I have the support of the fans and the city,” said Cook, who nearly died on the mound in August 2004 because of blood clots in his lungs. “It was a big ordeal that I went through last year, and I think a lot of people kept up with it and are really happy to see me out there. It’s nice to come off the field to a standing ovation.”
Cook took an eight-hit shutout into the ninth. When the Padres’ Brian Giles and Ryan Klesko opened the inning with back-to-back singles, Hurdle inserted closer Brian Fuentes. Even though Hurdle was lustily booed, Cook said it was the right decision, although he wanted to bag a complete-game shutout.
“I wanted it bad; I was really gunning for it,” Cook said. “But in that situation, with a save coming up, it was time to give the ball to Fuentes.”
Although Fuentes gave up a two-run double to Khalil Greene, he was able to get his 30th save and end a 2-hour, 16-minute game, the shortest at Coors Field this season.
Cook, who has mastered his sinkerball this summer, also effectively mixed his fastball and changeup Thursday. But it was his glove work in the seventh inning that saved the day. With one out and runners on second and third, Robert Fick drilled a line drive back at him. Cook snared it and then doubled off Ramon Hernandez at third.
“It was just self-preservation,” said Cook, who bruised his pinky on the play.
Helton’s homer was his 18th and a welcome sight. In the past few games, he had hit doubles and triples he thought were sailing out, only to see them fall short. He raised his batting average to .317, the highest it has been since May 18 (.321).
Patrick Saunders can be reached at 303-820-5459 or at psaunders@denverpost.com.
