Miami – Of all the trends established by the Rockies during the first month of the season, none boosted confidence more than the ability to win tight games.
“It’s our attitude that’s changed,” starting pitcher Jason Jennings said before Saturday’s game against the Florida Marlins. “We show up to the ballpark every day expecting to win. And I think success breeds confidence. The more we win, and the more one-run games we win, the more we’ll be able to pull out.”
After beating Florida 3-2 in 10 innings Friday and then 8-7 Saturday, the Rockies’ are 8-3 in one-run games and lead the majors with the most one-runs wins. Last season, they played in a club-record 49 one-run games, going 25-24.
“Part of the equation is playing well in tight games,” manager Clint Hurdle said. “When you can pitch and play defense, you are going to stay in more ballgames. We have been able to stay close, keep the pressure on, make plays and execute. That’s what wins close games.”
That, plus a bullpen that refuses to cave in.
“The biggest reason is our bullpen, no question,” Jennings said. “We had a lot of guys come through with the bat, but it seems like our bullpen’s come through every night.”
Rockies relievers are now 8-1, the most wins of any bullpen.
Catching on
Miguel Ojeda continues to see more time behind the plate. He started his third straight game Saturday in front of Danny Ardoin.
Neither catcher has been effective throwing out baserunners, but Ojeda has been better with the bat. Before going 0-for-4 Saturday, he’d hit safely in seven of his past eight games at a .375 clip (9-for-24). His average, once at .231, stands at .293
“Ojeda’s played well, and when you come off the bench you can buy some more playing time,” Hurdle said. “The guys here understand that.”
Ardoin, expected to start today’s game, is hitting .188 and is 0-for-14 with runners in scoring position.
Footnotes
Reliever Jose Mesa made his 901st big-league appearance Saturday night and ranks fourth among active players in appearances, trailing only Mike Stanton (1,039), Mike Timlin (904) and Roberto Hernandez (903). But proud as Mesa is of his longevity and durability, he’s more proud of his 319 career saves, which rank 12th. “No question about it,” he said. “That shows that I went out and did my job.”…First baseman Ryan Shealy (elbow) will return to Denver on Monday from his extended spring training in Tucson and begin his rehab assignment with Triple-A Colorado Springs.
Rockies recap
After picking up his first victory since May 15, 2003, pitcher Miguel Asencio will be sent down to Triple-A Colorado Springs today. But considering the way he pitched Saturday, and the stuff he has shown, he might not be down for long. Although he surrendered a two-run homer to Josh Willingham in the seventh, he gave the Rockies three much needed innings of relief. Manager Clint Hurdle said he’s eager to see what Asencio can do as a starter.
“He’s done nothing to disappoint us and he’s proven himself to be healthy,” Hurdle said.
Asencio had multiple surgeries on his right elbow that limited him to 16 pro outings from 2003-05.
Calling on Carroll: Jamey Carroll is quickly becoming the Rockies’ little big man. The 5-foot-9, 170-pound utility infielder started at second base, marking his fifth start in the past seven games. He had two singles, a stolen base and a perfect sacrifice bunt.
