In the sixth inning Monday night, the Rockies limited damage with perfect defensive execution. Jose Castillo struck out and catcher Yorvit Torrealba fired to second to catch a stealing Rich Aurilia. Aurilia stopped to get into a rundown in an attempt to score the runner from third, but second baseman Jeff Baker erased Aaron Rowand at the plate.
Hawpe takes a seat.
With the left-handed Pat Misch on the mound, Ryan Spilborghs started in place of slumping right fielder Brad Hawpe, who is hitting .236 overall and just .200 against lefties. And Hawpe might not start Wednesday against lefty Jonathan Sanchez.
Tough evening.
One day after carrying the offense, Todd Helton struggled, going 0-for-4. That included striking out in the fourth with runners at first and second with no outs and flying out in the sixth with Garrett Atkins aboard.
