Rockies 5, Padres 2: It’s officially a winning streak

Could it be....a winning streak? Yes, but it wasn’t easy. The Rockies defeated the NL West-leading Padres 5-2 on Monday night, thanks in large part to Ian Desmond. His two-run double in the second inning represented the earliest runs the Rockies have scored in 2019 and he added his first home run of the season—but his sixth at Petco Park, tied for fourth most in Rockies history—in the fifth inning. With the win, the Rockies have their second winning streak of the season.

Nothing easy

The Rockies led 5-1 heading into the bottom of the ninth with Scott Oberg on to finish the game. He allowed a monster solo home run to Wil Myers to make it 5-2 then bounced back to get the next two Padres. Then Austin Hedges lined a two out double to chase Oberg and bring on Wade Davis. He walked Luis Urias on four pitches to bring Ian Kinsler, the tying run, to the plate. Kinsler worked the count to 3-2 before striking out on a check swing to give Wade Davis his first save of the season.

Welcome Back, Antonio

Antonio Senzatela was supposed to be on the short-list for the fifth starter job. Then he got an infection in his foot in March, effectively torpedoing his Spring Training. He made his season debut tonight and was more than capable against the Padres. He went 6 ²⁄₃ innings, scattering six hits and allowing just a solo home run to Franmil Reyes in the fourth. Rockies starters have now thrown 20 ²⁄₃ of the last 27 innings, which is the right kind of rebound after an 18-inning marathon last Friday.

Nolan being Nolan

Nolan never stopped being Nolan, really. He’s been his usual self on defense but it wasn’t until yesterday that he got his first home run of the season. On Monday, he did it all. First, on defense.

Then, in his very next at bat, at the plate.

That was his 188th career home run, tying Troy Tulowitzki for sixth on the franchise list.

Not unscathed

Noel Cuevas was rewarded for his hot start in Triple-A with a call up and a spot in the starting lineup tonight. Unfortunately, he was removed after reaching on an error in the fourth inning. There was no word on his status as of the close of the game.

Up Next

Game two of the brief southern California series is scheduled for tomorrow night, 7:10 pm MT. Jon Gray will look for his first victory (even though he’s thrown at least six innings in each of his three starts) while rookie phenom Nick Margevicius takes the hill for the Padres.