There’s nothing like beating the Giants, especially in a close game. The Rockies won a tight game full of nervous moments on Monday, winning 6-5 in extra innings as they out-Giantsed the Giants and came through in the big moments to continue beating up their division foe in Coors Field.
Stringing together good at-bats for the win
The Rockies got walks and singles to earn this win. Nolan Arenado walked to lead off the bottom of the 10th inning and then tagged up on a deep fly ball to move to second. Ian Desmond followed an intentional walk to Carlos Gonzalez with a legitimately good swing to swat a single the other way with two strikes, helped by a bobble from Andrew McCutchen. Chris Iannetta finished it off with a seeing-eye single up the middle. It was great to see the Rockies not falling back into taking big swings in that spot and finding a way to scratch out the winning run.
Did you know the Rockies drafted Greg Reynolds instead of Evan Longoria?
Longoria stung the Rockies a couple times on Monday, striking with a pair of RBI doubles and driving in three for the game. I mention Longoria because he would have been the story if the Giants had won and because memes never die.
Trevor Story had a night
The Rockies shortstop struck early with a three-run home run in the first inning. He later reached with a sharp single up the middle and then scored on a sacrifice fly from Ian Desmond. If the Rockies are depending on internal options to fix their offense, the good season Story has been having for a while now is a welcome sign.
Bullpen adventures
Wade Davis struggled with his command and loaded the bases in the ninth inning with the score tied 5-5 and escaped. Bryan Shaw put two guys on with nobody out and that same score in the 10th inning. He was helped by some good defense, including an aggressive and almost crazy throw to get the lead runner at third by Ian Desmond, and escaped. All we care about are the results, but a less stressful process would be welcome.
Looking ahead
The Rockies continue their series on Tuesday against the Giants with Kyle Freeland against Jeff Samardzija.