The Rockies host the Brewers for a three-game series from Friday through Sunday at Coors Field, capping off Colorado’s last-place season. Here are the three best moments, and the three worst, from a year that started with World Series hopes and ended in a frighteningly opposite reality.
THE HAPPIEST OF TIMES
1. In a 6-3 win in Miami on opening day on March 28, expected co-ace Kyle Freeland threw seven strong innings of one-run ball as Colorado picked up its first win. Yes, the triumph came over a glorified Triple-A franchise that’s gone on to be the worst team in the National League by far, but the game — followed by six-innings of one-run ball by German Marquez in another Colorado win the next day — offered early (false) hope.
2. In a 4-0 win in San Francisco on April 14, Marquez turned in what could be considered the best-pitched game in franchise history. The right-hander shoved, taking a no-hitter into the eighth inning only to be spoiled by Evan Longoria’s one-out single. That was the only damage Marquez yielded while striking out nine and flashing the dominant stuff that had preseason pundits proclaiming him as one of the best starters in baseball. It was the first complete game, one-hit shutout in Colorado history.
3. On May 30, Colorado recorded its fourth walk-off win of its homestand as Daniel Murphy singled home Trevor Story to beat the Diamondbacks, 11-10. The four walk-off wins in a single homestand is a club record, and at that point, Colorado had won eight of its prior 10 games as the team sat just a few games back in the National League wild card race. But a 40-64 mark since then tanked those postseason dreams.
THE SADDEST OF TIMES
1. The Rockies battled the Padres in a shootout at Coors Field in mid-June, as the teams combined to score 92 runs, the most in a major league four-game series since 1900. But it was the June 14 loss that was the Rockies’ biggest gut-punch, as Colorado blew a seven-run lead — including six runs surrendered in the ninth inning by Mike Dunn and Wade Davis — as San Diego went on to win, 16-12 in 12 innings. Two days later, Davis crumbled again with four runs in the ninth as the Padres notched another rally, 14-13.
2. As a precursor to the 6-19 July record (a franchise-worst for a full month) that knocked them out of playoff contention, the Rockies suffered three straight walk-off losses to the Dodgers in Los Angeles … and all three losses came on homers by rookies. The Sunday finale on June 23 was the last blow, when Will Smith’s three-run bomb off Scott Oberg secured the sweep after Matt Beaty and Alex Verdugo delivered walk-off homers the couple nights before. It was the first time in team history that Colorado lost by walk-off three straight times to the same team.
3. Oberg’s season officially ended Aug. 18 due to blood clots in his throwing arm. With a 2.25 ERA in 49 games, the right-hander was easily Colorado’s most dependable reliever this season while taking over the closer role for the struggling Davis. Losing Oberg epitomized the health issues Colorado dealt with all season as the whole starting rotation from opening day ended up on the injured list. Plus, all-star outfielder David Dahl (high ankle sprain, Aug. 2) and rookie infielder Brendan Rodgers (right shoulder surgery, July 16) were also lost for the year.
— , The Denver Post
Like what you’re reading? Share this with a friend and tell them it’s easy to .
NEW💥If you enjoy The Denver Post’s sports coverage, we have a new subscription offer for you!
What’s on Tap
- Milwaukee Brewers, 6:10 p.m. Friday, ATTRM
- Milwaukee Brewers, 6:10 p.m. Saturday, ATTRM
- Milwaukee Brewers, 1:10 p.m. Sunday, ATTRM
Must-Read
Rockies Mailbag: Colorado has submitted paperwork with MLB, hopes to host All-Star Game at Coors Field in next five years
The Los Angeles Dodgers will host the game in 2020, Atlanta will host the game in 2021 and Philadelphia will host the game in 2026. The cities for the All-Star Game from 2022 to 2025 are still to be determined. Read more…
Kickin’ it with Kiz Podcast: Nolan Arenado talks GOATs, Post Malone and living up to his big contract
In the first Kickin’ it with Kiz Podcast, Denver Post columnist Mark Kiszla examines who’s really to blame for the Broncos’ 0-3 start before sitting down for a conversation with Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado. Read more…
Rockies’ failure to win close games hurt them on the road in 2019
Colorado failed to win a road series over its final three months of season. Read more…
Quick Hits
+ Newman: The “Cucarachas” must be exterminated for the Rockies to be taken seriously in 2020
+ One of the Rockies’ best surprises this season? Tony Wolters has established himself as Colorado’s catcher of the future
+ Rockies drop rubber match to Giants as final homestand of season awaits
+ Rockies’ Peter Lambert hung tough but major improvement is needed
+ And the Rockies’ 2019 prospects of the year are …
+ Could Rockies’ TV rights help resolve Altitude Sports dispute?
+ Rockies beat Giants as teams combined to use MLB record 25 pitchers in 16 innings
+ Rockies Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Patrick Saunders here.
+Want to chat about the Rockies?
By The Numbers
12
MLB sets strikeout record for 12th straight season
Major League Baseball has set its season strikeout record for the 12th straight season. Batters struck out 369 times Tuesday to raise the season total to 41,467. Read more…
Parting Shot
Saunders: Rockies’ window to compete has slammed shut, so when will it open?
If Rockies’ pitching doesn’t improve dramatically, they have no shot at making playoffs in 2020. Read more…
Get in Touch
If you see something thatap cause for question or have a comment, thought or suggestion, email me at jbailey@denverpost.comortweet me .
