MIAMI — How swiftly the transformation has been from extinct to exceptional in 10 weeks. It’s the kind of results promised by a late-night infomercial not an interim manager.
Under Jim Tracy, the Rockies are a legitimate playoff threat. Now comes the hard part: making it.
Rather than create separation this weekend, the Rockies squeezed the standings, splitting a doubleheader Sunday with a 10-3 loss and 7-3 victory against the Marlins at Land Shark Stadium.
The wild-card race, rather ordinary a few days ago, is a creative mess. The Rockies lead the Giants by 1 1/2 games, and the Marlins by two.
Sunday brought a little success and a dash of solace. The Giants lost to the Mets, and the Rockies avoided their first sweep with Tracy in charge. If these games are any indications of what lies ahead the next six weeks, keep the antacids handy.
To sneak out of Florida still in front of the pack, Tracy pulled every lever and switch available in Game 2. He used all five outfielders, both third basemen and asked two relievers to do something they have never done in a Rockies’ uniform.
Setupman Rafael Betancourt and closer Huston Street both worked more than three outs. Betancourt came up clutch and got a little luck when Ronny Paulino popped up a hanging breaking ball with bases loaded to end the seventh.
Street took the baton in the eighth, creating a gasp from the sparse, but lively crowd. Jorge Cantu lifted a slider to left field that appeared briefly like it might go out. But it died a slow and painful death into Ryan Spilborghs’ glove.
The bullpen preserved the victory for Jorge De La Rosa. As Rockies PR man Charlie Hepp said, “Just call him Jorge W.” It was De La Rosa’s 11th victory since June 1, tops in the majors.
He worked well with a lead. The Rockies jumped ahead 6-1 on the strength of home runs from Carlos Gonzalez and Clint Barmes. His two biggest outs came against Hanley Ramirez. He tagged Ramirez out as he tried to advance from third on a dirtball in the third. He then got a check-swing K from the all-star, tempering a rally in the fifth.
The Rockies are off tomorrow before beginning a three-game series at Washington.
Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com
