A starting pitcher is baseball’s equivalent to a hockey goalie or a quarterback. Everything begins and ends with them. The pitcher is the hub of the universe.
As the Rockies drifted into orbit, in danger of needing a telescope to see the National League West leaders, Jeff Francis again the played the role of rising star.
He surrendered just one run in seven innings, willing the Rockies to a crisp 4-1 victory Saturday night at Coors Field.
To appreciate the gravity of Francis’ performance, it helps to understand the team’s position when he took the mound. The Rockies had dropped three straight to the trio of Todd Wellemeyer, Brad Thompson and Bobby Livingston. All are converted relievers with little big-league success.
The common theme in the losses was the lacking big hit. Todd Helton quickly squelched that problem Saturday, smashing a two-run home run in the first inning. It was Helton’s first home run in 13 games and arguably his hardest hit ball of the season. He made a loser of Kyle Lohse, drilling a fastball 426 feet to dead center.
It was all the support that Francis and the relief crew of Manuel Corpas and Brian Fuentes would need in the 2 hour, 11-minute affair. It was tied for the third quickest nine-inning game in Coors Field history. Francis has a 1.64 ERA over his last six starts and has won four straight decisions.
Staff writer Troy Renck can be reached at 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com.
