Solo home runs by Trevor Story and Nolan Arenado (and an RBI double play by Tony Wolters) weren’t enough for the Rockies to win this game. Story’s homer gave the Rockies an early 1-0 lead in the first inning, but a first pitch homer to Jose Altuve and a three run homer to Yuli Gurriel in the bottom of the inning gave the Astros a lead they would only build upon. And that was just the beginning...
Peter Lambert was not sharp
Peter Lambert had his worst start since June 16 against the Padres. Today he lasted 3+ innings and gave up nine earned runs on seven hits. He gave up the solo shot to Altuve on his very first pitch, but settled in a little bit after that. He was one pitch away from getting out of the inning, but that pitch ended up in left field for a three-run home run to Yuli Gurriel. Lambert came back in the second and got three outs on ten pitches, but then gave up a single and back-to-back walks in the third. A walk, single, and another walk ended up being the end for Lambert in the third when he was lifted for Jesus Tinoco. Of the 20 batters Lambert faced, seven ended up with three ball counts.
Lots of walks will absolutely haunt
The Rockies walked nine batters today, the second most they’ve allowed in a single game this season. Lambert was responsible for four walks, Jesus Tinoco was responsible for three, and Sam Howard was responsible for two. Rockies pitchers had as many walks as they did strikeouts. The worst part is that six of those nine walks came around to score. Yikes.
Jesus Tinoco was a bright spot
Jesus Tinoco was called up for the third time on Sunday when Carlos Estévez was placed on the family medical emergency list. After being thrust into the game early as the long reliever, Tinoco had a really good outing. He threw 56 pitches in 2 1⁄3 innings, the most he’s pitched in the big leagues. He came in and immediately gave up a four pitch RBI walk to Alex Bregman, but then struck out three of the next four batters in the fourth. In the fifth, he struck out three straight Astros, including Jose Altuve on three pitches. Tinoco ended with a line of 2 1⁄3 innings, two hits, two earned runs, three walks, and six strikeouts.
Up Next
The Rockies head to Petco Park for a four game set against the San Diego Padres. The Gray Wolf will go on Thursday against lefty Eric Lauer. First pitch is at 8:10pm MT.