In a series where runs were at premium, the Rockies defeated the Indians 3-2 on Wednesday afternoon to salvage a two-game series split in Cleveland.
Charlie Blackmon hit a two-out solo home run to give the Rockies the lead in the top of the 12th inning. Tyler Chatwood, recently moved to the bullpen, came in and recorded a clean inning to earn his second career save. With Blackmon's homerun, eight of the 10 total runs scored in the two game set came off the long ball.
For a while it seemed as though the Rockies offense was going to let them down for the second game in a row. Heading into the ninth inning the only run they had recorded was on a solo home run off the bat of Alexi Amarista in the top of the third.
Trailing 2-1 in the ninth, Carlos González was able to hit a one-out single off of Cleveland closer Cody Allen. Then Jonathan Lucroy, who was mercilessly booed by Cleveland fans all week, lined a double to right-center field that allowed CarGo to score from first after center fielder Bradley Zimmer bobbled the ball.
That tied the game at two. Jake McGee recorded a clean bottom of the ninth and Carlos Estévez allowed just one walk in the tenth and eleventh innings, setting up Charlie to come through in the top of the 12th.
The Rockies offense struggled all game, striking out nine times against Cleveland starter Trevor Bauer over seven innings, and 14 times total and left nine men on base. Fortunately Rockies pitching was up to the task. Antonio senzatela Through five gutsy innings, allowing just a two-run home run off the bat of Francisco Lindor in the bottom of the third. He finished with five strikeouts, three walks, five hits, and the two runs over five innings pitched. Chris Rusin was superb through 21⁄3 innings and he, Adam Ottavino, and McGee combined to shut down an Indians rally in the eighth inning. Cleveland stranded 10 men in base for their part.
After a gut-punch loss on Tuesday night, the Rockies Escape Cleveland with a series split. They'll have the day off on Thursday and travel to Miami for a three-game set this weekend starting Friday at 5:10 p.m. MT when Jon Gray is schedule to take the mound against Jose Urena.