Pittsburgh – It was a steamy day last month at Coors Field, the kind of weather that sucks the life out of a team, especially one returning home from a miserable 1-9 road trip.
But rather than wallow, the Rockies kept their swagger. To a man, they insisted this nosedive would only thicken their skin, not ruin them. Fast-forward to PNC Park today, where Colorado broomed the Pirates, cleaning up a mess created by two difficult losses at Miller Park last weekend.
The Rockies won 5-3, their offense pestering and punishing Pirates’ starter Ian Snell for six innings. More importantly, the Rockies inflated their confidence, arriving in Washington, where they have never lost, needing just one win to secure a .500 record on this 10-game road trip.
It’s impossible to under-estimate the importance of this stretch. It will go a long way in determining if the club is a buyer at the July 31 trading deadline – all indications are that general manager Dan O’Dowd is pursuing modest upgrades – and more of a threat than an annoyance to National League West bullies Los Angeles and San Diego.
The Rockies moved two games above .500 for the first time since June 23. Pitcher Jeff Francis deserved plenty of the credit. Mixing a fastball that practically screams “Boo!” and a good curveball and changeup, the left-hander won his 10th game, reaching double digits in victories in each of his first three seasons. No Rockies player has ever done that. Then again, none has had Francis’ talent. He permitted just two runs in seven innings.
Brad Hawpe blasted his 16th home run in his last 48 games in the fourth inning. He leads the Rockies with 17 overall. Todd Helton, back in the lineup after missing Monday with a migraine headache, hit his ninth home run in the sixth inning. Manny Corpas, despite a home run, picked up his third save.
Staff Writer Troy E. Renck
can be reached at 303-954-1301
