Twice shortly before the victory in the final of a double header at Wrigley Field on Wednesday, the street-weary Rockies imploded.
First, it was closer to Daniel Bard, who had two outs on a save before giving up a three run home run to force extra innings in an affair planned as seven innings. Then it was shortstop Trevor Story who couldn’t finish it with a ground ball to finish the next inning – the eighth.
Colorado’s stamina in wet conditions prevailed in a 13:10 win to save a split of the twin bill against the Chicago Cubs.
Ryan McMahon started a two-run home run on the 10th field, followed by a two-run double game from Brendan Rodgers, and Colorado grabbed a losing streak three games away from Coors Field by winning a game that much should have won earlier.
« It just felt really good getting through, » said McMahon. « B-Rod followed with a huge double-two to somehow get it out of reach. Good thing we do. »
Rodgers, who also had a double homer in the first inning, finished 3-of-6 with a career high of five RBIs.
Connor Joe’s Grand Slam in the fourth inning gave Colorado an 8-5 lead in the fourth inning. Joe, the left fielder, scored for his first grand slam of his career after Garrett Hampson and Elias Diaz were isolated and pinch-hitter Charlie Blackmon was hit by a pitch. Joe’s explosion came with two outs.
The Rockies, who lost the first game 5-2, added two insurance runs with two outs in the sixth inning before Bard couldn’t finish it in the seventh.
Joe, who reached base four times, also scored in the first inning. He started the game with a walk and Rodgers for a two-run homer in the opposing field.
Joe and Rodgers, the No. 1 and No. 2 hitters on the line-up, combined 5 of 10 with nine RBIs in the final.
The Cubs scored five runs on Rockies starter German Marquez in the second inning to overcome a 2-0 deficit. Marquez allowed six hits in the inning and seven hits in just three innings to work.
The teams combined 17 pitchers in the game – nine for the Rockies.
« We just prevailed, » said McMahon. “The boys were just determined to end the game. It was a grinder of the day for everyone. I think we’re glad it’s over and we’re glad we won. »
Colorado’s road problems continued earlier in the day when they dropped the opener of the twin bill. The Cubs hit three home runs in a seven-inning win.
Cubs rookie left fielder Patrick Wisdom delivered the winning goal, a three-time homer in the fifth inning that snapped a 2-2 draw. Rockies starter Austin Gomber recorded the first two outs of the inning. Frank Schwindel then tripled to left field before Gomber Matt Duffy left. Wisdom then delivered a deep drive to the left field for his 21st homer of the season.
« I made some good pitches with the slider today. I made the bad pitch too late and cost us the game, ”said Gomber, who had eight strikeouts in 4 2/3 innings. “I find it difficult to get the results I want. I felt like my things are fine today. Obviously I got a couple of strikeouts and got out of a few spots. I just couldn’t do it when I needed it. I have to do better to keep the ball in the yard. Pretty much everywhere, just needs to get a little better. »
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Colorado, who played a solo home run in the second inning by C.J. Cron, who got an RBI single from Rodgers in third, only had three hits – none after the third inning.
Chicago won for the second time in a row at home after ending a home defeat with 13 home games on Monday night. The Cubs rallied to beat Colorado 6-4 to open the three-game set. Tuesday’s game was postponed due to bad weather.
The Rockies prevented serious injury in the first inning when Joe and midfielder Sam Hilliard collided while they were both trying to catch a flyball. Joe had the worst of the collision but made the catch for the second out of the inning. Game resumed after a brief delay while Joe was being evaluated.
Trending: The Rockies played their sixth double header of the club’s record season on Wednesday. They shared the first three double headers – against the Mets on April 17th, the Giants on May 4th and the Padres on May 12th – before being swept by the Mets on May 27th and the Pirates on May 29th.
Point of contention: The Rockies are 15-47 (0.241) away, the lowest win rate in the majors. The club’s record for the lowest street wins and lowest win percentage is 21 and 0.259, respectively, in 2014. Colorado has been on the streets since July 1, 9-16, after starting the 6-31 season.
Friday: Rockies LHP Kyle Freeland (4-6, 4.25 ERA) at Dodgers TBD, 8:10 p.m. MT, ATTRM
Sunday: Rockies RHP Antonio Senzatela (2-9, 4.42) at Dodgers TBD, 2:10 p.m. MT, ATTRM
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