That’s now two shutout losses over the past four games for the Colorado Rockies, who were just blanked by the Seattle Mariners this Wednesday, 5-0.
It was also the fourth defeat over Seattle’s last five games, with the team’s supposedly potent offense going hot-and-cold during that span. Nonetheless, breakout centerfielder Charlie Blackmon extended his relatively-new hit streak to four games during Wednesday’s loss and he can certainly rejuvenate the Rockies’ hitters when he gets it going. Blackmon has 15 hits, 13 runs batted-in and four home runs over his last 10 starts.
We can still be skeptical about Colorado’s bats getting back to normal, but at least the team will be in good hands with Kyle Freeland (5-3, 3.43 ERA) set to start on Thursday afternoon. Although Freeland won’t be pitching in run-friendly Coors Field, the 24-year-old southpaw has been fantastic away from Denver this season regardless, sporting a cool 2.89 ERA in five road starts.
Let’s also not forget that the Rockies have emerged as playoff contenders this season not because they win a lot of games in Mile High. They’re actually 18-9 on the road this season, tied only with the MLB-leading Houston Astros for most road victories thus far.
Continuing to crawl their way out of the AL East’s basement are the Seattle Mariners, who’ve now strung together four-consecutive wins shortly after coming up with a ton of one-run stinkers for the better part of May.
It was also their second shutout victory during their four-game run, having just humbled the Red Sox in Boston by the same final score as their latest win over the Rockies. Their bats are finally popping, with Nelson Cruz reaching home plate safely for the third-straight contest on Wednesday.
To top it all off, third baseman Kyle Seager is also producing great numbers this week for Seattle fans and his fantasy owners. Seager hit two singles on Wednesday, giving him eight hits with three doubles, six runs and six RBIs over his last four outings.
Unfortunately for the M’s, their offense must be ready for another explosive performance given that Yovani Gallardo (2-5, 5.76 ERA) will take the mound this Thursday. The Mexican righty threw a season-high 112 pitches in his last start against the Red Sox, but he lasted just 5.1 innings and was handed a loss after giving up three runs on seven hits and six walks.
Not only has Gallardo surrendered a total of 16 hits for 13 runs over his last two starts – both losing decisions – he’s also found it tough to get past the Rockies after spending a great majority of his career playing in the NL for the Brewers. He has a dismal 0-5 record along with an ERA of 5.70 in 11 career games (10 starts) versus Colorado batters.
Writer’s Prediction
The Rockies (+121) salvage a win from their four-game, home-and-away series against the Mariners, 6-4.
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