:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51137605/GettyImages-611684174.0.jpg)
The Colorado Rockies won their 75th game tonight. When juxtaposed against their 85 losses, that doesn't sound like a very impressive feat. However, it represents the most wins the team has had in a season since 2010, and if you think that statistic is damning with faint praise, just listen to this one: The 2016 campaign is now one of the ten most successful in the franchise's 24-year history. But enough about historical significance...
The Rockies beat the Brewers 4-1 in front of a large fireworks crowd of 41,068 behind a strong start from Chad Bettis and quick work by their bullpen. They also benefitted from Milwaukee going 1-for-12 with runners in scoring position. The one hit came in the sixth inning and it resulted in Chris Carter getting thrown out at the plate by David Dahl.
Bettis's line in his final start of the season: 6 2/3 innings pitched, eight hits, three walks, five strikeouts and just one run allowed. He finishes the year with a 14-8 record and an ERA of 4.79. Carlos Estevez and Adam Ottavino were both perfect in relief and the game ended in just two hours and 30 minutes.
Nolan Arenado gave Bettis all the support he would need in the bottom of the first with a long two-run homer to center field that scored DJ LeMahieu, who had reached on a fielder's choice. It was Nolan's 41st of the season; one shy of the career high he set last year.
After DJ failed to get a hit in his first two at-bats, Walt Weiss removed him from the game in an attempt to preserve his batting title. It remains to be seen whether he'll play again this weekend or not.
The Rockies tacked on a run in the second on a Charlie Blackmon single that scored Daniel Descalso, and in the third when Nick Hundley singled in Arenado, who hit his 35th double of the season to start the inning. The result was never much in doubt after that.
Colorado will go for win number 76 tomorrow at 6:10 MDT when Jeff Hoffman again goes in search of his first big league win against Wily Peralta.
Source: FanGraphs