Rockies Even Series With Phils

NFL News - October 9th, 2009 - Written by John

History rarely has anything good to say about a team that falls behind 2-0. Last season, all four Division Series started 2-0 and all four trailing teams inevidably lost the series. For the Colorado Rockies, that threat no longer exists, tagging Cole Hamels in Game Two of their series against the defending champion Philadelphia Phillies, 5-4, on Thursday.

Hamels recently criticized MLB officials for scheduling their game in the middle of the day, saying it was unfair to the fans of the reigning champions, who would have to miss work or school to attend the 2:37 first pitch. Maybe it was just wishful thinking because he would've preferred as few fans as possible to witness his shakey start. Rockies catcher Yorvit Torrealba hit a two-run homer in the fourth inning and Dexter Fowler's sacrifice fly in the seventh turned out to be the game-winner. Aaron Cook pitched well enough to get the win for Colorado, which has continued to streak since Jim Tracy took over as manager.

“It was definitely a huge game for us,” Cook said. “It’s huge to go back home with the series tied.”

But the win didn't come wihtout it's share of anxiety. Huston Street had to pitch out of a jam in the ninth to get the save. Matt Stairs walked with one out to start the inning and was lifted by pinch runner Cliff Lee (who became the first Phillies pitcher to steal a base in franchise history). Jimmy Rollins then followed up with a single to get the winning run on base. But the following hitter, Shane Victorino, ripped a liner right into Clint Barmes' glove at second to strand the tying run.

Cook pitched well into the sixth inning to get the win. The lefty was able to subdue Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Rollins and Victorino. He allowed only three runs and struck out four and a five-player bullpen handled the rest.

His counterpart, Hamels, wasn't so lucky. The former World Series MVP was passed over in favor of Cliff Lee for Game One and didn't seem in rhythm throughout the game. He increased his winless streak to seven in day games after going 10-11 in the regular season with an ERA well over four.

“His stuff was good,” Manuel said. “He threw some close pitches. He was around the plate. His command could’ve been better.”

His offense didn't really help for much of the game. They didn't get on the board until the sixth inning. By then the Rockies already led 4-0 with the game slipping away. Victorino opened the inning with a single and moved to second on an error. Utley then singled before Howard crushed a fastball into the right-center gap to make it 4-1. Tracy then signaled for reliever Jose Contreras, who couldn't get out of the inning before surrendering a two-run single to Ibanez. Fowler followed in the eighth inning with a pop-up that scored Ryan Spilborghs to make it 5-3. That extra run was the difference when Philadelphia's Jayson Werth homered to make it 5-4.

Now, Philadelphia will have to send Pedro Martinez to the mound to retain the advantage when the series continues on Saturday. Martinez was added to the roster in August and was surprisingly effective in nine starts.

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