At first glance, it seemed like an odd partnership. The Rockies needed a starting pitcher, but did they need this one?
Jose Contreras has a wonderful resume, though no distinctions were added this season. To acquire Contreras and his 13 losses, the Rockies had to part with Brandon Hynick and $800,000.
They were convinced that changing leagues would revitalize the right-hander. As if working from a script, Contreras went from the White Sox’s major disappointment to the Rockies’ sudden impact, strong-arming Colorado to a 4-1 win over the Diamondbacks on Saturday night.
Using a trail-mix arsenal — namely a four-seam fastball, slider and split-finger changeup — the 37-year-old allowed just one run in 6 2/3 innings. It was his first win in a month, and the significance wasn’t lost on his teammates. The Rockies kept a stiff-arm on the Giants, holding a one-game lead in the wild-card standings following San Francisco’s win over the Brewers.
Contreras earned the victory because of muscled-up offense. Carlos Gonzalez slugged his first-ever leadoff home run, and Seth Smith added his 13th in the eighth as the Rockies earned their fourth win in five games.
Franklin Morales finished off Arizona in the ninth for his third save in three attempts this season.
