Todd Helton, when asked before Saturday’s game in Washington what the Rockies had to do to get their mojo back: “We need to win these next two games, first of all. They’re very important games. We need them to get some momentum going for the second half.” Helton did his part, hitting his 10th homer of the season in the fourth inning. He is now 11-for-31 against Nationals pitcher Jason Marquis, including three homers.
New spot for Spilly.
Carlos Gonzalez (bruised wrist) was back on the bench, so outfielder Ryan Spilborghs hit leadoff and singled twice in his first three at-bats.
U the man.
How sharp was Ubaldo Jimenez? He threw 117 pitches in just 5 1/3 innings in his previous outing vs. the Braves. He was at 70 pitches through 5 1/3 on Saturday.
