The first thing to know about Sunday’s Rockies game is that after the first inning, whether or not the Mariners beat the Diamondbacks became top of mind for Rockies fans. The Rockies lost 12-3 in a game that was never close.
The first inning bites again
While he gave up a leadoff double, Tyler Anderson retired the next two batters in the first inning and looked poised to escape without giving up a run. But then fellow Tyler, O’Neil, homered to make it 2-0 Cardinals. Six batters later, which included five hits and an intentional walk, and the Cardinals were up 6-0. Chad Bettis came in to get the final out.
The first inning has been a weird bugaboo for Rockies starters this season, but it’s been especially bad for Anderson, who has now given up 36 runs in the first inning of his 26 starts, including 11 home runs. He’s been markedly better after that, but on Sunday it went so poorly he didn’t get the chance to recover.
The other innings
The Cardinals scored more. The Rockies scored some, but not nearly enough to win.
Now to look forward.
Up next
The 71-59 Rockies head west for a two-game interleague series against the Angels followed by four games against the Padres. Tomorrow, Jon Gray will face Odrisamer Despaigne, and first pitch is scheduled for 8:07 MT.