On a postcard-perfect summer evening, the Rockies staged one of their most complete performances of the season.
Included in their 10-2 victory over the Cleveland Indians tonight:
The Rockies are still 13 games under .500 (29-42) and in last place in the National League West, but strange as it might seem, they are gaining ground. With slumping Arizona losing to Oakland tonight, the Rockies moved just eight games out of first, the closest they have been since May 12.
Reynolds, blown off the mound in his last start, showed the fastball command the Rockies were hoping for. He gave up just one run on five hits, struck out four and walked one. He also went 2-for-3 and scored a run.
In the sixth, shortstop Omar Quintanilla got Reynolds out of a messy jam. With the bases loaded and one out, Quintanilla made a diving catch of Shin-Soo Choo’s line drive, doubling Jamey Carroll off second to complete a double play.
Baker’s inside job was as crazy as it was exciting. He drove a pitch from starter Paul Byrd off the left-center wall and watched as the ball caromed out of the reach of center fielder Grady Sizemore. Baker shifted into high gear as he rounded second, got the full-speed-ahead sign from third base coach Mike Gallego and slid into home, easily beating the throw.
It was the first inside-the-park homer of Baker’s career and the 10th in Rockies history. Garrett Atkins hit the last one, on Sept. 23 last season in San Diego.
All in all, it was a good night to pump up offensive numbers.
Matt Holliday went 3-for-5 with two RBIs, raising his average to .324. Garrett Atkins went 2-for-5 with two RBIs, raising his average to .309. Quintanilla went 3-for-4, boosting his average to .262.
Game 2 of the three-game series with the Indians is Wednesday night at Coors.
