The Colorado Rockies got Kyle Freeland back, but not their offense as they lost the second game of their home series against the Atlanta Braves by a score of 4-3. The losing run scored on a rare Nolan Arenado throwing error but the lack of production from the Rockies offense has not helped either. The Rockies have not scored more than three runs in eight straight ball games.
The Rockies got on the board in the bottom of the first inning thanks to Nolan Arenado’s 27th home run of the year off of Braves starter Sean Newcomb. However, the Braves answered back in the top of the second. Freeland, who was activated from the disabled list prior to the game, allowed walks in the second inning to Tyler Flowers and Lane Adams. Dansby Swanson drove both runners in with a double to left field to put the score at 2-1.
The Rockies later tied the score at two a piece when Mark Reynolds took Newcomb’s pitch to left field for a solo shot in the bottom of the fourth. Then, in the bottom of the fifth inning, Trevor Story put the Rockies ahead 3-2 with a home run of his own.
The small lead didn’t last long though as Freeland allowed a home run to Nick Markakis in the top of the six to even the score at 3-3. Freeland would finish the night throwing six innings, allowing three runs on four hits, two walks, and five strikeouts. Meanwhile, Newcomb allowed five hits and four walks, but he limited damage thanks to eight strikeouts.
The Rockies and Braves bullpens traded goose eggs in the seventh. Rockies lefty Chris Rusin contributed a scoreless inning in the top of the frame while Braves lefty Sam Freeman worked around a Pat Valaika single to shut down the Rockies in their portion of the inning.
Pat Neshek was on track for a scoreless eighth inning until a rare throwing error (with two outs) from Nolan Arenado allowed Brandon Phillips to score, giving the Braves a 4-3 edge. Braves right hander Jose Ramirez threw a perfect eighth and Atlanta closer Arodys Vizcaino shut the door with two strikeouts in the ninth for his seventh save.
With the series tied at a game a piece, the Rockies play the third game of the four game set tomorrow at Coors Field at 6:40 PM MST. Jon Gray is scheduled to face off for the Rockies against Braves righty Mike Foltynewicz.