The backdrop arrived on cue, the sky darkening as a miserable homestand came to a chilling end.
The Rockies viewed this week as a chance to reclaim their renowned place, to conjure images of Rocktober. With six weeks remaining, Golftober is probably more accurate. Colorado fell for the seventh time in its last 10 games at Coors Field, mauled 6-2 by the division-leading Diamondbacks.
For Arizona, it was a measure of redemption. The Rockies broomed the Diamondbacks in the National League Championship Series, advancing to their first World Series. By winning this series, Arizona has all but buried the Rockies’ postseason aspirations. Colorado sits nine games back with 39 to play.
The deficit is not nearly the indictment that the Rockies’ overall record is. They are 15 games under .500. Their 54 wins are the sixth-worst in baseball, leaving them on pace for 71 victories.
Worse, 12 of their next 15 games are on the road, where they own the fewest wins in baseball (20). Other than that, things are going well.
There were hints of optimism Thursday. Aaron Cook pitched a pain-free side session, experiencing no problems with his stiff back. He hopes to start Sunday, though Tuesday is probably more realistic. And Garrett Atkins returned from strep throat and singled after entering as a substitute.
In the end, the Rockies were no match for Arizona’s co-ace Dan Haren. While Brandon Webb is the leading contender for the Cy Young Award, Haren is just as worthy a candidate. After suffocating the Rockies — eight innings, two runs — Haren improved to 13-6 overall, including 7-3 against NL West opponents.
Glendon Rusch, starting in Cook’s place, could not keep pace after four scoreless innings. Breaking his four-game winning streak, Rusch was hammered for five runs in the fifth. Chris Snyder and Chris Burke delivered back-to-back home runs.
Matt Holliday, who continues charging toward a 30-homer, 100-RBI season, crushed his fifth home run in 12 games. His 23rd overall was a laser over the center-field fence in the eighth inning.
Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com
