LOS ANGELES — It was a fitting day, really. Around the sixth inning, the clouds lifted and the sun beamed down on Dodger Stadium. It was the latest reminder that perhaps the Rockies have finally emerged from the dark side, that the worst is in their rear-view mirror.
The only thing that could have made this road trip worse is if they had to pay for the gas – It’s $4.39 a gallon near the ballpark.
At the very least the Rockies staggered home with a tinge of optimism, winning the final two games on their 10-day roadie, eclipsing the Los Angeles Dodgers today 2-1 behind another brilliant performance by Aaron Cook.
In a season that has blindsided fans and players with its startling decline, Cook has remained the most predictable element. When the right-hander pitches, he gives Colorado a chance to win. And in most cases the Rockies do.
Rebounding nicely from Friday’s forgettable outing — he failed to protect a pair of eight-run leads — Cook worked eight innings, allowing just one run on six hits.
He improved to 8-3, continuing his strong campaign for an all-star berth. Manager Clint Hurdle is in charge of the NL squad and remains responsible for the final few pitching selections. Cook, if not chosen by his peers, has fashioned a resume impossible to ignore. The Rockies are 9-4 in his assignments, 13-34 when anyone else pitches.
Wednesday, he showed growth, producing more strikeouts as a perfect complement to his sinkerball groundballs. His six Ks tied a season-high. The Dodgers’ only run came on a sixth-inning single by Matt Kemp.
The Rockies’ offense, the backbone of which this team is built, didn’t provide much support. In fact, the difference was one swing. Jeff Baker lashed 20-year-old Clayton Kershaw’s 94-mph fastball into the stands in the second inning. That shoved the Rockies ahead 2-0, and gave them their first road series win since April 20 in Houston.
Colorado begins a three-game home series Friday against the simmering Brewers. The Rockies will also slowly begin to get pieces of their puzzle back. Brad Hawpe could be activated this weekend and Matt Holliday is on schedule to return Tuesday.
Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com
