The Colorado Rockies played another wild game at Coors Field on Tuesday night. This one was against the Houston Astros. Unfortunately the strength of Houston’s bullpen meant they were able to hold up where the Rockies couldn’t, and the Astros won by a final score of 9-8.
Big offense on both sides
There’s a reason the Astros are among the top teams in the American League. The good hitters and quality at-bats just keep on coming. They put together a three-run third inning and a four-run seventh inning in this game. Yuli Gurriel had an especially big game with three hits, two of them home runs.
As has been the case most times this season, the Colorado offense was up to the task of keeping up in a slugfest. They matched the Astros with 13 hits and were able to capitalize on some Houston mistakes. They did most of their damage with five runs in the fifth inning. Ian Desmond had a big night with three hits, including an RBI double.
Got hungry, decided to get some taco's pic.twitter.com/GPJ9sA266q
— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) July 3, 2019
Key moment: Daniel Murphy double play
It’s hard to blame any of the hitters when the pitching had such a bad night, but this one should be mentioned. The Rockies had the bases loaded, nobody out and a run across in the sixth inning. They were up 8-5 and in position to really put up a crooked number. Unfortunately Murphy hit a comebacker for a double play and then Desmond grounded out to end the threat.
German Márquez grinds to a decent start
There was damage early on, as Márquez allowed five earned runs in the first three innings. His troubles were the result of some sloppy defense, including on his own part, and the simple fact that the Astros lineup is really good. They consistently deliver quality at-bats, and once they have a rally going they make you pay. The traffic in their third inning rally came from flares and broken bats, but the Astros got big hits when it mattered.
As for Márquez, he got things to calm down and ended up going six tough innings. He allowed those five runs and struck out seven. It was a nice turnaround, and he even left the game with a lead. Then the bullpen got involved.
Bryan Shaw had an oopsy
His outing: no outs recorded, three runs allowed and an 8-5 lead surrendered. The Shaw bounceback story is officially on hold. That gives Bud Black even fewer options in the bullpen for high-leverage spots, something that can feel hopeless against an offense like Houston’s.
Shaw tagged Jake McGee in, and the lefty gave up the deciding two-run home run to Gurriel.
Looking ahead
The Rockies play the Astros again on Wednesday. Wade Miley is scheduled to start for the Astros against Peter Lambert for the Rockies.