Pittsburgh – Josh Fogg is walking smirk. He’s too busy enjoying life to obsess about his precarious rotation spot or this week. He knew what was at stake Tuesday night, the Rockies eager for him to gulp innings and change the impression of this road trip.
On a night befitting his name, with accompanying lightning bolts and a few raindrops, Fogg handcuffed the Pirates for seven innings in a 6-2 victory as the Rockies claimed their first road series in five weeks.
No longer is Colorado looking to survive this three-city, 10-day excursion. The Rockies are looking to make up ground on division-leader Los Angeles. Pending the outcome of the late games, the Rockies trailed the Dodgers by six games and the San Diego Padres by five for the wild card.
Fogg, whose maddening inconsistency led to a challenge from manager Clint Hurdle, was Tuesday’s most important component. He allowed just two runs and five hits, while tying his season-high with five strikeouts.
Jamey Carroll was the unlikely offensive start. He reached base four times, starting at second against the left-handed Shane Youman. He rapped an RBI double in the Rockies’ decisive four-run second inning. Since June 13, the Rockies are averaging right at six runs per game on the road.
