This afternoon presented a perfect opportunity for the Rockies to step up and make a statement against the Dodgers, their chief nemesis in the National League West.
Instead, the Dodgers coasted to an 8-1 victory behind an ace-like performance from starter Mark Hendrickson.
When the chilly afternoon began, the Rockies had plenty going for them: No. 1 pitcher Aaron Cook was on the mound; they were coming off an impressive 7-2 win over the Dodgers Wednesday night; and their offense was finally showing signs of busting out.
But Cook certainly didn’t pitch like an ace during his erratic six innings, and the offense took a siesta.
Cook was uncharacteristically wild, walking four, including three in Los Angeles’ decisive three-run third inning. Cook’s cardinal sin was issuing a bases-loaded pass to Andre Ethier that scored Juan Pierre.
Jeff Baker, starting in place of Todd Helton at first, didn’t help Cook’s cause. After Cook walked Ethier, Baker committed a two-run error, getting gobbled up by Wilson Betemit’s sharp grounder to the right side which put the Rockies in a 5-0 hole.
Cook, winless this season, continues to founder against the NL West. Last year he went 2-10 with a 5.63 ERA against the division.
Henderickson, pulled out of bullpen duty when Jason Schmidt was placed on the disabled list, baffled the Rockies. The lanky 6-foot-9 southpaw – a former NBA player – scattered five hits over six innings. The Rockies only run came in the sixth when Garrett Atkins drove a run-scoring single up the middle, scoring Willy Taveras from second.
The Dodgers were led by Jeff Kent who went 3-for-4, hit his sixth double of the season and drove in two runs.
Staff Writer Patrick Saunders can be reached at 303-954-1428 or psaunders@denverpost.com
