Colorado was unable to wake up the offense against the Astros in a frustrating 2-1 loss. Houston was able to keep Rockies hitters off balance throughout the night, only allowing one Trevor Story home run and a Charlie Blackmon ricochet single.
Fiery Freeland
Kyle Freeland continued his redemption season, earning his fifth quality start by only allowing two runs in six innings. The Astros were able to jump on him early by scoring both of their runs on a Carlos Correa two-out RBI double in the first inning. After that Freeland was locked in, even while having traffic on the bases and respectfully disagreeing with home plate umpire Rob Drake.
Where did everyone go?
Colorado finished the game only 2-for-28 with five walks and seven strikeouts, reaching scoring position only twice in the game off of a pair of steals by Garrett Hampson and Raimel Tapia.
After coming alive against the Rangers on Sunday, the Rockies took a step back against rookie pitcher Brandon Bielak who continues to impress with six one-hit innings tonight.
Bullpen Positives
Tyler Kinley was unable to find the strike zone on his first dozen pitches, but got it together and got out of his own jam in the seventh. He ended up pitching an inning in which he walked two and struck out one.
Jeff Hoffman continues to show improvement this season. This time Black went to Hoffman later than usual in a tight game going perfect in one inning. Traditionally used as a bulk innings man, could this be a new role for Hoffman in this continually fluctuating bullpen?
Up Next
The Rockies will play game two of their Texas two-step Tuesday at 1:10 MT. Antonio Senzatela (3-0, 3.91 ERA) is scheduled to face old foe Zack Greinke (1-0, 2.53 ERA).