Game 96 Recap-
The Colorado Rockies hit 3 home runs, 2 of the traditional variety & 1 inside the park, helping them defeat the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-2 Friday Night at Coors Field. Reigning NL MVP LF Matt Holliday(2 run shot in the 1st) & RF Brad Hawpe(solo shot in the 6th) homers left the park, while speedy OF Seth Smith had an inside park homer pinch hitting in the 7th.
RH Ian Snell(3-8,5.93) was competitive for the Pirates. Over 6 innings he gave up 6 hits and 4 runs.(3 earned) He struck out 5 and walked 3. The 3rd Colorado run scored on a throwing error from C Ryan Doumit on a steal attempt by CF Willy Taveras. This was especially difficult when it appeared Doumit had thrown Taveras out stealing 2nd the previous play. RH Tyler Yates(4.07) allowed Smith’s homer in the 7th to close the Rockies’ scoring.
Veteran Rockies LH Glendon Rusch(3-3,5.79) pitched a strong game but tired in the 6th. Pirates 3b Jose Bautista homered & LF Jason Bay’s sac fly cut the Colorado lead to 3-2. Rusch left after 5 2/3 innings, allowing 6 hits and 2 runs while striking out 1. RH Jason Grilli relieved and struck out the final batter of the inning. RH Manuel Corpas pitched a strong 8th and RH Brian Fuentes closed the 9th for the 2nd consecutive night, earning his 16th save.
Star of the Game-
Rusch- Pitched a great game and kept the Pirates off balance all night
Pirates Notes-
Doumit had 2 of the teams 6 hits….LH RP John Grabow(3.28) pitched the 8th for his 1st work since July 8th after complaining of arm fatigue
Next Game-
Saturday, 8:05 at Colorado, Coors Field
Pirates RH Yoslan Herrera(2nd start,12.46) vs Rockies LH Jorge De La Rosa(3-5,7.26)
