The Colorado Rockies got blown out by the Pittsburgh Pirates by a final score of 10-2 on Tuesday night. It was cool to see Chad Bettis on the mound against Jameson Taillon given their respective journeys, but the Pirates’ starter ultimately cruised while his counterpart got roughed up.
Taillon throws a complete game
For however much the perception of Coors Field goes over the top sometimes, it is still hugely impressive to go into that park and throw a complete game. Taillon gave up just two runs but it he had to navigate some traffic. He scattered 10 hits, but he forced enough weak contact to limit the damage and keep himself in the game to go the distance. Obviously the huge lead helped too.
Big innings
The Pirates scored four runs in the fourth inning and five runs in the fifth inning to put this out of reach. They did a lot of their damage by hitting the ball out of the park. Starling Marte, Jordy Mercer, and Josh Harrison all went deep. Bettis was ultimately charged with nine runs as he and Jake McGee teamed up to let this one get out of hand.
It is always great to see Bettis on the mound, but when it comes down to it he might not be one of the five best starters for the Rockies if they are going to stay in the playoff race. That will be a decision for the team moving forward.
Looking ahead
The Rockies will try to win the rubber match against the Pirates on Wednesday afternoon with German Marquez on the mound against Chris Archer.