Rockies explode for 11 runs as Greg Smith gives a solid performance
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It was the third inning that saw the Rockies offense open up for 6 runs, and they never looked back. Led by Seth Smith’s three-run homer, the Rockies offense came alive after struggling to put runs across early in the season, downing the Mets in the series opener 11-3. The real encouraging piece of the night, however, was starting pitcher Greg Smith shaking off a precarious start to go 7 innings, allowing six hits (most of them after the game was already blown open), and striking out 8. This was the game that I predicted the Rockies to be vulnerable thanks to Smith – and not only did the offense come alive, but Smith pitched a solid outing, also managed to put up a couple RBIs to help his own cause before giving way to a bullpen that could use the extra rest.
The Mets traditionally give the Rockies trouble, so it was good for the Rockies to come out and assert their dominance early. Look for this to be the series that sets the tone for the early part of the season. The Rockies have had some rust to shake off, and some bullpen issues to contend with. In fact, the biggest price for tonight’s dominance may have come in the shape of a quad injury to Brad Hawpe. Hawpe left the game early, which was easy to deal with thanks to the big lead. The injury was described as “quad tightness”, which in the end is probably nothing to be concerned about. However, on the heels of some hammy tightness from Gonzales last night, the Rockies could be staring down some disaster in the outfield if they’re not careful. It points to a couple things – first, the importance of depth. If Hawpe and Gonzales were both to go down, it’s not that disappointing to see Seth Smith and Ryan Spillborghs step in and pick up the slack. Second, the importance of conditioning. Tightness in the hamstring, tightness in the quad… those are injuries that often speak to less than ideal conditioning.
The Rockies will attempt to take the series with a win tomorrow night as Aaron Cook takes the mound- and believe me, they’d much rather the De la Rosa start on Thursday afternoon be the gravy in the series as opposed to the rubber match.
