Rockies End Road Trip With A Win, Top D-Backs 4-2
The Colorado Rockies (37-60) ended their six-game road trip on a high note, topping the Arizona Cardinals (49-49) 4-2 last night in Phoenix. Colorado starter Jeff Francis earned his third victory of the year. After going 2-4 on the road trip, the Rockies return to Denver for ten games at home, beginning with the Cincinnati Reds (58-40) tomorrow night.
Francis kept Arizona’s offense at bay for six-plus effective innings, avoiding a three-game sweep. He pitched into the seventh inning for the first time this season. His outing marked only the second time in the past 43 games that a Colorado starter worked into the seventh. The Rockies are 8-2 in games he starts and just as important, he’s showing the young staff how to succeed on the mound.
Official: Wednesday’s Box Score.
Francis retired the first two batters to start the game before giving up a solo home run to D-backs left fielder Jason Kubel to tie the game.
He would go on to retired nine of the 10 hitters that followed before walking D-backs right fielder Justin Upton with two outs in the fourth and the Rockies leading, 4-1. Francis pitched a scoreless fifth and retired the side in order in the sixth to bring his total to 95 pitches.
Francis’ 96th pitch was curveball called for ball to D-backs catcher Miguel Montero. His 97th was launched into the right-field seats to end his night.
“It’s very gratifying,” Francis said. “Regardless of whether I get or win in the stat column, the fact that I can come in here and help give this team a boost and help win some games. Hopefully it turns out well in the long run.”
Francis had help. After the game, Tracy praised rookie catcher Wilin Rosario for his work behind the plate. During the game, Marco Scutaro’s two-run double in the third inning gave the Rockies a 3-1 lead they would not relinquish. Rosario hit his 16th homer of the season in the fourth inning to extend the advantage to three runs.
Tickets are available for the Rockies’ next home game at Coors Field, tomorrow night vs. the Cincinnati Reds, and can be purchased by calling (800) 388-ROCK, or click here.
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