Padres 10, Rockies 8: From the jaws of victory

A strong effort by the bullpen collapsed

With Feltner leaving the game after just two innings, the Rockies’ bullpen had the herculean task of getting the team through the game with three games to go until their next day off. Zach Agnos, who is being stretched into more of a long-relief role, performed admirably in three innings of work. While he did give up two earned runs, they weren’t back-breaking. He gave up just one run each in the fourth and fifth innings, one of which was a home run. Agnos had solid command, walking just one batter with three strikeouts. Seth Halvorsen, freshly recalled from the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes with Jimmy Herget going on the paternity list, made his first big league appearance of the season in the sixth inning. The power arm struck out two batters—though he did issue a walk—in a scoreless inning of work. Halvorsen gave way to Juan Mejia, who struck out three batters in 1.2 innings but did allow an earned run on three hit and a walk. Victor Vodnik was called in to end the eighth inning and earn a four-out save. Then it all fell apart. Vodnik entered the top of the ninth inning with a three-run lead. That lead evaporated almost instantly as Vodnik walked the leadoff batter and allowed three straight singles without recording an out as the Padres pulled within one run. Then Sheets happened. Gavin Sheets clobbered a three-run home run on the first pitch he saw—a slider middle-middle—to put the Padres ahead by two. Vondik struck out the next batter but the damage was done. Brennan Bernardino entered the game and quickly finished the inning. View Link

Eight isn’t enough

Strong days at the plate from multiple Rockies players should have had this game end in a win for the home team. Edouard Julien went 2-for-5 from the leadoff spot, hitting his first triple in a Rockies uniform for his 200th career hit as he continues a strong April, and TJ Rumfield hit two doubles with a walk in his own 2-for-4 afternoon. Meanwhile, Troy Johnston continues to be an excellent addition to the Rockies roster. The off-season waiver claim went 3-for-4 with a walk and two RBIs. The main superstar of the game was Mickey Moniak. Moniak continued to be so fine with a four-hit afternoon that included two home runs. He had two RBIs and scored three times himself. View Link Normally eight runs would be enough, but things get weird when the Padres come to town. After Vodnik’s collapse, the Rockies had the unenviable task of facing Mason Miller with a two-run deficit. With one out, Troy Johnston hit a single to show Miller was mortal. However, the hope wouldn’t last. Ezequiel Tovar swung wildly at a slider in the dirt before watching a slider down the middle for a called strike two. He then grounded into a game and series-ending double play. Tovar finished the game 0-for-5 and though he didn’t strike out today, he is hitting just .204 on the season.

Coming Up Next

The Rockies are off to Flushing for three games against the New York Mets. The Mets look vulnerable after finally managing to snap a 12-game losing streak yesterday. It could provide the Rockies with a chance to have their first strong series on the road. Michael Lorenzen will start for the Rockies against Mets righty Freddy Peralta. First pitch is scheduled for 5:10 PM MDT.

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