DENVER-
After fanning six times in a 3-0 loss to Los Angeles, the Colorado Rockies led the major leagues in strikeouts with 77.
“Myself, I know that I have struck out too much,” said left fielder Matt Holliday, who struck out with the bases loaded in the first inning of Wednesday’s shutout by Brad Penny and the Dodgers.
“I am not happy about it,” said Holliday, who’s batting .282 with 10 strikeouts through nine games.
Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki leads the team with 11 strikeouts. Center fielder Willy Taveras, the Rockies’ leadoff man, and catcher Chris Iannetta have 10 apiece.
The strikeouts help explain why Colorado is just 4-5, despite a team ERA of 3.35, 12th best in the majors.
“It’s just a shame to waste good pitching,” said third-baseman Garrett Atkins, who has four strikeouts. “We’ll get it going.”
The Rockies’ next test will be Friday night in Phoenix, where they face the Arizona Diamondbacks and Brandon Webb (1-0, 4.50 ERA). Webb has struck out 13 in two games, including five against Colorado in a no-decision on Opening Day.
The Rockies counter with Josh Fogg (0-0, 2.84).
Colorado plays three games at Arizona before heading home to Denver for a seven-game homestand against the Dodgers, Giants and Padres.
