Five takeaways from the Rockies’ 8-5 loss to San Diego Saturday night at Petco Park:
1. The Rockies, who have now dropped five consecutive games, seem to find new ways to lose every time out. After Yonder Alonso hit a two-run homer to tie the game 5-5 in the seventh, relievers Jairo Diaz and Jake McGee gave it right back by giving up home runs to Manuel Margot and Wil Meyers, respectively, in the eighth. Diaz pitched a terrific seventh, striking out the side and flashing an excellent slider, but a walk and two-run homer doomed him in the next inning.
2. Since beating the Dodgers at home June on 28-29, the Rockies have gone 8-26. They have lost 18 of their last 24 on the road, including 15 of 18. They have not won a road series since June 24-26 at San Francisco. Last season, the Rockies were 44-38 on the road, the best road record in franchise history. This year they are 23-38.
3. Daniel Murphy, a veteran hitter, has had a solid second half, but he’s in a deep slump right now, going 1-for-16 and ending Saturday night’s game by striking out.
4. Colorado’s starting pitching continues to struggle. Chi Chi Gonzalez, who owns a 5.67 ERA, allowed five runs on eight hits. His slider was an ineffective pitch Saturday night.
5. Nolan Arenado is starting to heat up again. The third baseman went 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs.
