Toronto – The Colorado Rockies avoided indignity today, but never came close to victory.
Jeff Baker broke up Dustin McGowan’s no-hit bid in the ninth inning. That hard line-drive single and a Kazuo Matsui walk represented the Rockies’ offense. As such, the Rockies were swept for the first time this season, falling 5-0 on Dog Day at Rogers Centre.
The Rockies were no match for McGowan, a former top pick whose career has been slowed by injuries. He lasted just five outs against the Dodgers in his last outing. He had a underwhelming 3-3 record.
But against Colorado, he had brilliant command and even better movement. His fastball featured late life, running in on the hands of right-handed hitters.
McGowan came just shy of Toronto’s first no-hitter since Dave Stieb in 1990. The Rockies have been no-hit twice in their history, both in 1996 by Hideo Nomo and Al Leiter.
McGowan finished with seven strikeouts and broke three Rockies’ bats. Vernon Wells and Frank Thomas both homered for the Blue Jays off Josh Fogg, who fell to 3-6.
Baker led off the ninth with a line-drive single. The Rockies were outscored 25-14 in the series.
Staff writer Troy E. Renckcan be reached at 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com.
