Colorado Rockies fall to Phillies 4-2

Eddie Butler's early struggles and a moribund offense led to another yawner at Coors Field as the Rockies lost 4-2 to the Phillies.

Butler could go only three innings tonight--after going just 2 2/3 last start--while throwing 77 pitches. His inability to throw strikes and put away hitters has killed him so far this year. He could have escaped the first inning unscathed after getting the first two hitters out, but he then allowed consecutive singles to Ryan Howard and Chase Utley. Maikel Franco grounded the ball back to him, but he threw it past first baseman Wilin Rosario. Jeff Francoeur singled one batter later, and the Rockies were down two and Butler had thrown over 40 pitches.

The bats were as cold as the night around them, mustering seven hits and no walks. The only extra-base hit was a bloop double from Wilin Rosario that dropped in front of Francoeur. He was later moved to third by a Brandon Barnes fly ball, and he scored on a Nick Hundley ground out. Carlos Gonzalez notched an RBI single as well. Other than that, the Rockies were largely stymied by rookie Severino Gonzalez and the Phillies bullpen.

Ryan Howard hit a home run off Eddie Butler that went about 500 feet. Despite being toast for four years, the guy continues to pulverize Colorado.

The bullpen worked five scoreless frames after Butler's short start. Tip of the cap to Yohan Flande, Ken Roberts, and Christian Friedrich. Usually allowing four runs to the opposing team at Coors Field is a good outcome, but this curiously weak Rockies offense couldn't get it done.

The Rocks will try to split the series tomorrow.

<iframe src="http://www.fangraphs.com/graphframe.aspx?config=0&static=0&type=livewins&num=0&h=450&w=450&date=2015-05-20&team=Rockies&dh=0" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" height="450" width = "450" style="border:1px solid black;"></iframe><br /><span style="font-size:9pt;">Source: <a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/livewins.aspx?date=2015-05-20&team=Rockies&dh=0&season=2015">FanGraphs</a></span>

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<tr class="alt"><td>Story URLs</td><td><div><a href="http://www.purplerow.com/2015/5/20/8632699/game-no-35-rockies-vs-phillies">http://www.purplerow.com/2015/5/20/8632699/game-no-35-rockies-vs-phillies</a></div>
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