The 2008 Rockies continue to run like a used car with 90,000 miles on it. As soon as one part gets fixed, another part goes on the fritz.
This afternoon’s 3-2, 10-inning loss to the Giants provided the latest example.
The Rockies got a Lexis-like performance from starter Ubaldo Jimenez, one they’ve been working toward all season. But neither their offense (1-for-12 with runners in scoring position) nor their bullpen delivered when it counted.
San Francisco won the game on Omar Vizquel’s sacrifice fly to left, scoring Ray Durham. Durham singled off reliever Matt Herges to open the 10th, and moved into scoring position when Rich Aurilia walked and Fred Lewis grounded out.
After being shut out for eight innings, Giants batters finally awoke from their siesta in time to score two runs in the ninth off closer Brian Fuentes, sending the game into extra innings. Vizquel led off with a double to left-center and scored on Benjie Molina’s one-out single. Daniel Ortmeier, running for Molina, scored on pinch hitter Steve Holm’s double to center. Holm was supposed to start at catcher but was scratched just prior to the game because of flu-like symptoms.
Jimenez, trying to re-establish the form that made him a phenom last season, took a giant leap forward today. He pitched seven shutout innings, allowing just three hits. He struck out just one, but walked only two. Of his 21 outs, 16 were produced by groundballs.
The Rockies, who’ve repeatedly found themselves behind in the early going this season, reversed that trend today. However, they never opened the gates on the Giants when they had the chance.
The Rockies took a 1-0 lead in the first, manufacturing their run on a single hit. Taveras led off with a single, stole second, took third on a wild pitch by Giants starter Jonathan Sanchez and scored on Matt Holliday’s infield grounder.
Colorado went ahead 2-0 in the second when Todd Helton drew a leadoff walk, moved to third on back-to-back singles by Ryan Spilborghs and Chris Iannetta, and scored on Jeff Baker’s sacrifice fly.
Prior to Fuentes’ misadventures in the ninth, Taylor Buchholz struck out two Giants in a one-two-three eighth. Buchholz has not allowed a hit in five consecutive outings.
The Rockies are off Thursday before opening a three-game series against the Mets Friday night at Coors Field.
Patrick Saunders: 303-954-1428 or psaunders@denverpost.com
