Rockies 5, Mets 2: Yay Pitching!

If there's one thing that really makes me happy about the Rockies this past week, it's that the Rockies have been winning these games behind strong pitching. Jeff Francis continued his pattern of first innings woes, but beyond that, was the icon of a decent start.

A first inning double, an intentional walk and a sacrifice fly came in the first, but Francis would not allow another run. He lasted five innings and five hits and two walks over that time while striking out four. The Rockies tied the game in the fourth, when Jonathan Herrera scored on a Wilin Rosario sacrifice fly. Dexter Fowler had singled Herrera to third earlier, and injured his ankle while trying to take second on the throw. Initial word is that the ankle is sprained, but not damaged, so this is hopefully only 25% a 2012 injury.

The game remained tied through the seventh, as Carlos Torres continued the streak of effective piggyback outings. The Rockies had finally chased Matt Harvey, who struck out nine Rockies over six innings, from the game. Rosario's 20th home run came off of former Rockie reliever Ramon Ramirez. Tyler Colvin would then double, and come around on a squeeze bunt from DJ LeMahieu. This line up Torres for his second win of the year.

A run did cross in a tense eighth, as Matt Reynolds was unable to retire Ike Davis, who singled in Scott Hairston to bring the Rockies lead to one. Will Harris managed to get the final out by striking out pinch hitter Jordany Valdespin. The Rockies secured two insurance runs in the ninth, as Chris Nelson singled in Colvin, and a pinch hit double from Josh Rutledge brought Nelson home. Rafael Betancourt picked up his 25th save with a riveting but ultimately smooth bottom of the ninth inning.

The Rockies go for their second four-game sweep of the season tomorrow, as Tyler Chatwood takes on Collin McHugh, who will be making his major league debut in the place of the injured Johan Santana.