In their 27 seasons of existence, easy wins on the road for the Rockies have been few and far between. In 2019, they have two of those in two games. Their pair of victories over Miami at Marlins Park to start the season have seemed routine, perfunctory and completely expected. The Marlins had two hits tonight. Two. Did you even notice that?
Germán Márquez picked up where he left off in 2018 with another strong start and the bullpen trio of DJ Johnson, Mike Dunn and Bryan Shaw retired all nine hitters they faced to lock down an easy 6-1 win.
Ian Desmond: Center Fielder
The highlight of the night came courtesy of Ian Desmond, who the Rockies made their every day center fielder in 2019. Desmond replaced Charlie Blackmon, now in right field, in hopes of improving the team’s outfield defense. The move paid off tonight as Desmond robbed Miami’s Lewis Brinson of certain extra bases and a possible home run in a 2-1 game in the bottom of the eighth inning.
HR Robbery? Who but Ian Desmond. pic.twitter.com/GDA8UkWBay
— MLB (@MLB) March 30, 2019
Left-on-left? No problem.
With the game tied at one in the top of the seventh, Miami turned to Adam Conley, one of the toughest lefty relievers in the game, to preserve the tie. However, a pair of Rockies lefties, Ryan McMahon and Charlie Blackmon, produced doubles to give the Rockies a 2-1 lead they would not relinquish.
Looking ahead
It is two down, two to go in Miami for the Rockies, who will look for a 3-0 start to the season and a series win in Marlins Park tomorrow. Tyler Anderson will get the start for Colorado against the Marlins’ Pablo Lopez. First pitch is scheduled for 4:10 p.m. Mountain time.