Antonio Senzatela carries Rockies to a 3-2 victory over Padres

It was a rare pitching duel at Coors Field on Tuesday night, as both starters matched each other through the first six innings. Antonio Senzatela ultimately was the difference maker, as he made a big statement in his second start of his career, carrying the Rockies to a 3-2 victory over the San Diego Padres.

The Padres struck first almost immediately, as Manuel Margot drew six pitches from Senzatela before depositing a hanging slider over the left-field wall in the top of the first. It certainly felt like it was going to be rough start for Senzatela after that at bat, but he quickly retired the next three batters on a mere nine pitches. At that point, he had completely changed the feeling of the game and took complete control of the Padres.

Jered Weaver managed to shut down the Rockies offense through the first three innings, but Carlos Gonzalez came through with one of his signature home runs to right field. Bat drop and all.

Meanwhile, Senzatela was putting together the best start of the season for a Rockies pitcher. With just one run allowed through the first five innings, he got in some hot water in the sixth. With one out and runners on first and third, Rockies killer Wil Myers came to the plate. Myers ripped a ball deep to center field, but it was caught by Charlie Blackmon and just one run scored on the sacrifice fly. Senzatela cleaned up the inning by inducing an inning-ending groundout by Yangervis Solarte.

The Rockies now trailed 2-1, but Blackmon quickly equalized things when he launched a 77 mph slider 458 feet to center field.

Senzatela stayed in the game to pitch the seventh inning, and he continued to battle. Despite allowing a walk and a bloop single, he got through the inning unscathed. It showed how much faith Bud Black has in the young 22-year-old pitcher, and it's definitely a good sign for his future in Colorado.

Senzatela’s night was finished after seven innings. He allowed five hits and two runs while walking one and striking out five.

Miguel Diaz came on in relief for Weaver, and was quickly introduced to a solo shot to right field from Nolan Arenado. This was the fourth solo home run of the night between the two teams.

Adam Ottavino pitched the bottom of the eighth, and had his most dominant outing of the season. Ottavino worked his slider beautifully, striking out all three batters he faced.

With a 3-2 lead in the top of the ninth, Black called upon Greg Holland to shut the door. Holland allowed Solarte to lead off the inning with a walk, and eventually allowed him to reach second on a wild pitch. With one out and the tying run at second base, Holland struck out Hunter Renfroe and Austin Hedges to secure the victory.

Fangraphs.com