Cardinals 11, Rockies 6: Matt Holliday Leads Cards Past Jeff Francis

Coming in to tonight, the St. Louis Cardinals led the National League in runs with 498. The Rockies were third with 471. Even with veteran pitchers on the mound, one would expect a high-scoring game at Coors Field. With the help of an atmosphere that led to balls carrying well, that's exactly what we got.

Jeff Francis hit the first batter of the game, then allowed a single to Allen Craig. Matt followed with a towering 2-run double, and Carlos Beltran made it 4-0 before an out was recorded with a home run. Doubles by Michael Cuddyer and Eric Young Jr. around a Carlos Gonzalez single led to two runs in the bottom of the first for Colorado.

Josh Rutledge doubled and added a 3-run home run, his second longball in as many games, and Jordan Pacheco doubled twice and singled. It wasn't enough offense though, as Adam Ottavino struggled with his command against his former team. Matt Holliday and David Freese both went deep against the right-hander, putting the game back out of reach.

Francis left after just four innings and 56 pitches despite not pitching since last Wednesday. No word yet on an injury. The Rockies closed July with a 7-17 record.

Source: FanGraphs

WPA Heroes

Josh Rutledge (+.203): 2-for-5, 2B, HR, R, 3 RBI
Michael Cuddyer (+.096): 1-for-4, 2B, RBI.
Jordan Pacheco (+.091): 3-for-5, 2 2B, K.

WPA Zeroes

Jeff Francis (-.248): 4.0 IP, 5 ER, 6 H, 2 K, 1 BB, 1 HBP, 1 HR.
Adam Ottavino (-.245): 2.2 IP, 4 ER, 4 H, 0 K, 3 BB, 2 HR
Wilin Rosario (-.153): 0-for-4, BB, 2 K, 5 LOB.

Row Call

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