Baltimore – By the time it was done, the sounds of thousands shuffling off in silence with Cal Ripken bobbleheads a distant memory Sunday, the two Rockies most responsible for the trouncing were humbled.
Jason Hirsh, author of a complete-game 6-1 victory over the Orioles, walked to the bus in a tan skirt and multicolored top from the Janis Joplin spring collection. Ryan Spilborghs, who knocked in all of the Rockies’ runs and clubbed two home runs, caught grief for his shimmering pink dress shirt.
If this team is not coming together, they are certainly enjoying one another. It was hard for the Rockies not to smile – or laugh in the case of Hirsh – after winning their fifth series in six attempts, an accomplishment that brought them to one game under .500 for the first time since April 18.
“Not even a dress is going to spoil this,” a grinning Hirsh said.
Just last week, Hirsh was sinking in quicksand, challenged to pitch better or lose his rotation spot. He responded in a way that he’s accustomed to: with meticulous preparation. Hirsh is never afraid to think outside the batter’s box, using yoga and the power of visualization. At 6-feet-8, Hirsh pitches best when he thinks small. He eliminates the crowd and the batter and concentrates on throwing to the catcher’s glove.
“That’s the light at the end of the tunnel,” he explained.
Unburdened by analysis – that’s no easy task for the Cal Lutheran graduate who is a voracious reader and an ace at crossword puzzles – Hirsh was free to fix his mechanics. Coach Bob Apodaca provided pointers, and Hirsh credited reliever Mike DeJean for helping him create a better downhill plane while playing catch.
Improved fastball command and velocity – he topped out at 93 mph Sunday – made his changeup more dangerous, leading to 10 groundball outs and his first win since April 22.
The wardrobe, um, malfunction was teammate LaTroy Hawkins’ idea. He bought the items at a thrift store near the ballpark.
“Just want to keep him grounded,” Hawkins said.
Keeping Spilborghs still is a more difficult task. He’s a human hummingbird, bouncing from place to place. Spilborghs received a rare start, spelling right fielder Brad Hawpe with lefty Erik Bedard on the mound.
As days go, Spilborghs had a nice month. He blasted a 410-foot home run, a 418-foot home run and added a two-run single in the fifth inning.
If nothing else, Spilborghs is forcing a strong examination of his overachiever label.
“I kind of laugh at that. I have hit in the minors, and I have hit in my limited time here. At some point, that’s just who I am,” Spilborghs said. “You are never going to see me pout. I feel like I can help either as a DH or when one of the (outfielders) needs a break.”
Beyond sharing Sunday’s marquee, Spilborghs and Hirsh are both talkers. Hirsh has a little Cliff Clavin in him. “You ask him what time it is and he tells you how to build a watch,” manager Clint Hurdle said.
Spilborghs is more Pauly Shore with his easy delivery and likability.
“I am not surprised by his power. Well, I was surprised he hit two,” said slugger Matt Holliday with a smirk. “I am sure I am going to be hearing about this day until I throw up.”
Staff writer Troy E. Renck can be reached at 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com.
