Rockies manager Walt Weiss often says he likes backup catcher Michael McKenry’s “servant mentality.”
That is, he likes that McKenry revels in his primary job of calling games and steering pitchers through troubled waters. McKenry’s offense is secondary.
Sunday, McKenry got to shine at the plate and behind it. He caught Chris Rusin’s 5-0 shutout against the San Diego Padres, and he also blasted a three-run double in the seventh to put Colorado ahead 4-0.
Asked what he likes more, getting the big hit or calling a shutout, McKenry answered: “It’s always the shutout — pitchers come first. But today it was both ends, because that lead gave (Rusin) an opportunity to go back out there.
“If it was a closer (game), there’s a good chance that (reliever John Axford) comes into the game. So it was kind of both today.”
The double was the first extra-base hit with the bases loaded of McKenry’s career. He stepped to the plate with an .071 average (1-for-14) with two outs and runners in scoring position this season. Little wonder the Padres intentionally walked DJ LeMahieu to load the bases and pitch to McKenry.
CarGo delivers. Carlos Gonzalez hit a 424-foot, solo homer in the fourth to score the first run of the game. It also was the Rockies’ first hit off San Diego starter Ian Kennedy, who retired the first 11 batters he faced.
“He tried to paint on the outside corner,” Gonzalez said. “It was a good pitch, but at the same time it was a good pitch for me to hit.”
It was CarGo’s 27th homer of the season and his 23rd since June 1, tied for the most in the majors. It’s the most home runs he has hit since slugging 34 in 2010, when he won the National League batting title with a .336 average.
“I’m just glad I’m healthy again and helping my team,” he said. “I’m trying not to look ahead, but at the end of the season I want to be able to look back and be proud of what I’ve done.”
Quotable. It’s no secret that the Rockies’ bullpen has coughed up a lot of leads this season. Sunday, Weiss didn’t have to use a reliever.
“It was just what the doctor ordered,” Weiss said. “It will be nice to give them a few days rest.”
Looking ahead
Monday: Off
Tuesday: Nationals’ Jordan Zimmermann (8-8, 3.34 ERA) at Rockies’ David Hale (3-4, 5.69), 6:40 p.m., ROOT
Wednesday: Nationals’ Stephen Strasburg (6-6, 4.62) at Rockies Jorge De La Rosa (7-5, 4.75), 6:40 p.m., ROOT
Thursday: Nationals’ Max Scherzer (11-9, 2.73) at Rockies’ Yohan Flande (2-1, 4.19), 6:40 p.m., ROOT
