CINCINNATI — The sound was horrific, leaving Rockies starter Jason Marquis shaken. His 87-mph sinker smashed into Scott Rolen’s batting helmet Sunday, knocking it several feet off Rolen’s head.
As the Reds third baseman lay in the batter’s box, Marquis squatted by the mound, shaking his head at what he would call a “stupid pitch that got away.” Rolen, a teammate of Marquis’ in St. Louis, escaped injury and eased the right-hander’s mind with his dry sense of humor.
“I was a little dizzy. It stunned me. But it helped my on-base percentage, even though I still haven’t touched first base (as a Red),” Rolen said. “I talked to Jason. I’m fine. I motioned to him when I left the field to let him know that I wasn’t dead.”
It marked the second time in three weeks that a Rockies pitcher has accidentally beaned an opponent. A Jason Hammel fastball landed San Diego’s Edgar Gonzalez on the disabled list with a concussion.
No shortcomings.
Derek Jeter wondered at the Midsummer Classic when Troy Tulowitzki was going to start joining him. Mets coach Sandy Alomar predicted last week that “there will be plenty of all-star games in his future.” Other than Hanley Ramirez, no shortstop is playing better in the National League.
Tulowitzki is a strong candidate to win his first Gold Glove, and he’s on fire offensively. Tulowitzki blasted his team-best 20th home run Sunday — the most by any shortstop — in the eighth inning. He is 11-for-24 on the road trip.
“He’s at his peak right now in absolutely every phase of his game,” manager Jim Tracy said.
Lee-ding man.
The Rockies will have to break out the CliffsNotes on Thursday. They face Cliff Lee in his Phillies’ home debut. He’s the reigning American League Cy Young Award winner, last facing Colorado in spring training. The Rockies have been in this situation before. They were pitted opposite reigning AL Cy Young winner CC Sabathia in his Brewers’ home debut last June.
“I am sure there won’t be any excitement for that game,” said Tracy with a smile.
Footnotes.
On the day he turned 26, Huston Street posted his 20th straight save, his 28th overall. . . . The Rockies are 11-3 when Seth Smith hits leadoff. . . . Reliever Rafael Betancourt has not allowed a run in five appearances.
Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post
