So remember way back in the day when the Rockies were getting lots of hits and beating up on teams? That seems like forever ago, doesn't it? Alright, so Friday night we got reason number 29 that the Rockies should be grateful that most of their remaining games are where it's high and or dry. The Florida Marlins Josh Johnson flirted with a no hitter before Garrett Atkins broke it up in the seventh inning with a solo home run (HR number 8 on the season for Atkins). Johnson finished with one hit and one run allowed, striking out eleven Rockies in the process. Rockies hitters struck out a total of 14 times, and walked four times.
Rockies starter Jason Hammel wasn't remotely close to as effective as Johnson. Lacking fastball command, Hammel allowed six hits and walked four, giving up three runs in four innings before giving way to Adam Eaton. Eaton allowed two more runs on a Dan Uggla home run in the bottom half of the seventh to give the Marlins breathing room, and Joe Beimel allowed one run in the eighth. While it didn't look like it while Johnson was pitching, it turned out that the Marlins needed each of those runs.
The Rockies rallied when Troy Tulowitzki led off with a triple against Brendan Donnelly in the top of the ninth inning and after a Brad Hawpe strikeout, scored on a Wes Helms error on an Atkins ground ball to third. Atkins advanced on an Ian Stewart bloop single, chasing Donnelly. Marlins closer Leo Nunez came in and struck out Dexter Fowler. Chris Iannetta then hit a three run blast (his 14th home run of the season) with the aid of some wind, but the rally was cut short when Todd Helton flied to center for the final out.
With the Giants losing, the Rockies continue to hold their 1.5 game edge in the wild card standings, but the Marlins closed to within two games with the win.
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