It seems like it's been raining for weeks in Colorado. After two games earlier in the week were postponed due to rain, the Rockies and Dodgers were delayed nearly 65 minutes before the tarps came off. The rain let up for about an hour, just enough time for Los Angeles to score a couple runs.
Adrian Gonzalez had an RBI-double, then threw out a runner at home in what turned out to be the play of the game and the Dodgers topped the Rockies 2-1 in a game that was called by the umpires in the top of the sixth inning as the rain returned.
It was an unfortunate outcome for the Rockies who have now lost eight consecutive games. Due to the rough weather, Colorado hasn't had much time to get games in, let along get a rhythm. On Friday, after the rain-delayed start, Rockies starter Eddie Butler walked the first two batters he faced before giving up a ground-rule double to Gonzalez.
The next batter was Yasmani Grandal who bagged eight RBIs the day prior. Grandal popped up into foul territory, but Justin Turner smartly tagged on the play and the Dodgers took a 2-0 lead before the Rockies knew what hit them.
"I hadn't quite gotten a feel for it, the ball was moving more than it normally does," said Butler about the first inning. "Later, I was staying behind the ball a little bit better, getting some extra movement to it. I started feeling it out and I started to get back in a zone and get guys to swing."
Butler (2-3) allowed two runs on five hits in 5 1/3 innings. He was still on the hill with the bases loaded and one out when the umpires called the game in the top of the sixth.
Former Rockies pitcher, Brett Anderson, got the start for Los Angeles and allowed just one unearned run on six hits in five strong innings against his prior team. Anderson (2-1) made only eight starts for Colorado last season due to injuries, a point that the press made sure to bring up after the game.
"You can't really think about that because then you're hesitant and you're just going to end up hurting yourself more," said Anderson about his injury history in Colorado. "I just go out there and try and get people out and do my best. And fortunately in weird circumstances, I was able to pitch pretty good and get us a win."
The unearned run came in the bottom half of the fourth inning when Troy Tulowitzi leadoff with a double. Two batters later, Nolen Arenado singled to left field and Alex Guerrero bobbled the ball, causing Tulowitzi to score.
The game-saving play came as the rain returned in the bottom half of the fifth inning. With the downpour driving down upon them, the Dodgers knew they needed to get out of the 5th inning in order for the game to officially go into the books. With Charlie Blackmon on second base, and two outs, Corey Dickerson hit an infield single up the middle. Dickerson beat the throw to first, but Blackmon tried to take home on the play.
Gonzalez saw Blackmon heading for home and quickly threw a strike to the plate, and Grandal was able to apply the tag just as Blackmon's foot slid into home. Blackmon was called out, but the play was reviewed and upheld after further replay.
"Obviously, he's got to try and make that play," said Dodgers manager Don Mattingly. "You never know what happens that inning, if that thing gets extended. This is a weird day. Sounds like they've been having a weird week."
Game Notes:
Rockies catcher Nick Hundley singled in the second inning to extend his hitting streak to 11 games. Jameson Axford, the two-year old son of Colorado closer, John Axford, threw out the ceremonial first pitch before the game. Jameson was bit by a rattlesnake in Arizona during spring training.
Yasiel Puig re-aggravated his left hamstring strain while on a rehab assignment in Class-A Ranco Cucamonga.
