Saturday, July 16, 2011

Rock Solid Recap: One step forward: Nicasio shuts down Brewers

Rockies 4, Brewers 0 (boxscore)

This was a fun game for several reasons.

First and foremost, the Rockies picked up another win out of the All-Star break. That was good.

It was nice seeing them play a really good, clean, complete game. Those games have been few and far between.

And it was extra cool seeing who the big contributors were.

Like Juan Nicasio. The rookie (can't call him kid) is still looking to establish some consistency from start-to-start, but he's at least proven he can work deep into games in two of his last third starts and still have hitters fooled and off-balance. That eases my concerns about him struggling to progress beyond a 5-6 inning pitcher now or in the future.

His next start will be a big test though. It'll be the first time he faces an opponent a second time. And it's the opponent (Atlanta) that knocked him out in the third inning. It'll be very interested to see what the refined gameplan is and how he executes it.

Dexter Fowler was also a contributor in his return to Colorado. His lead-off double batting right-handed was the first of five for the Rockies, so it set a nice tone for the night. He then moved to third on a grounder to short, which was a near disaster because he should have never attempted to advance. But it worked, and one wild pitch later Nicasio had an early lead to work with.

Later in the game, Fowler would walk and score another run. Moving down to #2 in the order. Mark Ellis doubled twice and scored twice himself. That's wonderful production from the top of the order that just wasn't there before Dexter went down.

Three positives

1. Dexter Fowler steals a base!: Did you see that? It's almost like he came back from AAA with a purpose or something. Go get'em, Dex!

2. Defensive clinic: Watch Troy Tulowitzki do work with the leather.

3. The Jim Tracy Drinking Game is back: Watch it here.


Another good win. 1-0 on Friday. Let's go 1-0 again on Saturday!