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.508 Here We Come
2006-06-14 16:11
by Mark T.R. Donohue

It seems rare recently that I actually get to sit in front of the TV and give my full attention to a Rockies game, but tonight all systems are go. Byung-Hyun Kim is facing off against Tony Armas and the Nationals as Colorado attempts to push both their road record and their overall mark into black numbers. After some subs got a chance to start yesterday against the lefty O'Connor, the Rockies are featuring more or less their A-1 lineup today against Armas. What is that lineup, you ask?

Carroll 2B
Sullivan CF
Helton 1B
Holliday LF
Atkins 3B
Hawpe RF
Torrealba C
Barmes SS
Kim P

Yorvit Torrealba hasn't hit much yet, but he's still an improvement on Danny Ardoin, who we might not see again for a while. Clint Barmes has a .212 average on the season but has picked it up lately, which he credits to the fact that he's growing his hair out for the first time in four years. Helton, Holliday, Atkins (with a 12-game hitting streak), and Hawpe are a legit middle-of-the-order group. Jamey Carroll has already drawn a walk in this game. Cory Sullivan has already bunted him over to second. It's a little distressing to see the Rockies playing small ball in the first inning the night after they scored nine, but give Sullivan credit for his execution.

The Rockies should win this game. I have no real justification for this other than that they're slightly better than Washington and also that if I'm taking the time to watch them they should darn well reward me. They've just squandered a nice opportunity in the first but I still have a good feeling. Go get 'em, Colorado.

Comments
2006-06-14 16:47:24
1.   Mark T.R. Donohue
Perfect, just perfect. With runners at the corners and one out, Brian Schneider hits a double play ball directly at Todd Helton, who...muffs it. One run in. On a single to center, Cory Sullivan makes a perfect throw just a little up the third base line which Yorvit Torrealba...misses. Two runs in. For good measure, Byung-Hyun Kim promptly allows a single to the pitcher. Three runs in. Why am I watching this again?
2006-06-14 16:55:36
2.   Mark T.R. Donohue
There is one time when it's OK to give away outs: when the other team turns around and hands them right back. With runners on first and second, nobody out, Kim having singled and Carroll having walked (again), reliable ol' Clint Hurdle had Cory Sullivan bunt (again). Sullivan laid down a good one and Armas foolishly tried to cut Kim down at third. Bases loaded, nobody out. C'mon, Todd Helton, make them pay.
2006-06-14 17:00:53
3.   Mark T.R. Donohue
The FSN Rocky Mountain cameras have found the one Rockies fan at RFK Stadium as Helton scores Kim with a sac fly and Holliday knocks in Carroll with an opposite-field single. 3-2 Washington with two on for Garrett Atkins. Don't let them off the hook, Garrett.
2006-06-14 17:03:44
4.   Mark T.R. Donohue
Atkins clubs a three-run homer to left field and I get up to do an ungraceful little victory dance. Then Matt Holliday singles, sorely tempting Hurdle to put the bunt sign on again.
2006-06-14 17:34:03
5.   Mark T.R. Donohue
The Rockies' defense is killing them today. It should be 5-1 Colorado but instead it's 6-5 Washington after a bad Clint Barmes throw with two out and two on in the bottom of the third coughs up the lead. Armas is out of the game however and the Rockies are threatening against Jon Rauch. I know I've said I don't care for these Coors Field football score games but this one is taking place at RFK which I guess makes it okay, so long as the Rockies win.
2006-06-14 17:51:13
6.   Mark T.R. Donohue
Rockies 8, Nationals 8 in the fourth. It's one of THOSE games.
2006-06-14 18:57:02
7.   Kels
I think they said that "lonely" rockies fan was Helton's Dad.
2006-06-14 20:47:08
8.   Drew Bienhoff
Well at least Hurdle didn't go overboard with the sac bunting...Sullivan ONLY tied the Major League record for most in one game (four) and he's the first position player to do it since 1919. Only Hurdle could manage to sac bunt four times in a game in which his team scores 14 runs. Good win tonight and let's go for the sweep tomorrow before heading to St. Louis...again. Why are we playing an away-away with them this year?

Also, my blog, Baseball with an Altitude, has been invited to join the MVN and All-Baseball network (the home of Dan Lucero and Up in the Rockies), so I would appreciate it if you would add me to your Rockies links section. The new URL is:

http://all-baseball.com/altitude

Thanks and keep up the good bloggin'...

2006-06-14 20:50:42
9.   Sam DC
Good heavens -- It appears from the box score that "sold by Jim Bowden as chattel" Jamey Carroll went 3 for 4 with two walks and a home run (!!) tonight.

Inspired.

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