Thanks to John Smoltz, the Rockies’ miserable April continued tonight.
The Braves’ 39-year-old warhorse pitched seven strong innings, giving up two runs and scattering nine hits as the Braves beat the Rockies 6-2. The loss was Colorado’s fifth in their past six games at Coors Field.
Smoltz’s only big mistake came in the first when he walked Willy Taveras, setting up a two-run homer by rookie shortstop Troy Tulowitzkli. It was Tulowitzki’s second consecutive game with a home run.
The Rockies crumbled to 9-15, a stark contrast to last April’s 15-10 record. They are now six games under .500, a low point not reached last season until July 22.
Rockies rookie starter Jason Hirsh, lacking the sharpness that characterized his seven-inning, four-hit gem against the Padres his last time out, departed after six uneven innings.
Hirsh gave up five runs (three earned) on five hits. He walked four, including two in a row in the Braves’ three-run third inning. The free passes and an error by Tulowitzki loaded the bases and set up a two-run single by Chipper Jones.
The Braves took command in the fourth, scoring on a leadoff solo homer by Jeff Francoeur and an RBI-triple by Kelly Johnson.
Edgar Renteria hit a solo homer off Brian Fuentes in the ninth to cap the Braves’ second win of the three-game series. The Rockies will try to salvage a game Sunday with Aaron Cook on the mound.
Staff Writer Patrick Saunders can be reached at 303-954-1428 or psaunders@denverpost.com.
