Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Rock Solid Recapping A Nine Run 9th Inning Comeback

Those Colorado Rockies did it again. They made me fall in love with the game of baseball... for about the 813th time.

I'd be lying if I said I saw that 9th inning coming. In fact, I was already in the process of putting my thoughts together on a Rock Solid Recrap. I mean seriously, a 6 run deficit in the 9th inning? A team that's left a total of 33 men on base the last two ball games? There's no way they can come back here, let alone make it interesting.

Hey, if there's ever a good time to be wrong, this would be one of those times.

How does a comeback like this happen? It takes a lot of work, and some of the most important work actually comes well before the decisive moment or string of moments.

Manny Corpas

Jim Tracy threw Manny Corpas out there in the 8th thinking this would a great time to get him some confidence. Corpas responded with an efficient and perfect 8th inning. So efficient, in fact, Tracy stuck him out there again in the 9th. Corpas responded again with a perfect inning.

That was step one in two different comebacks. 1) The Rockies victory. 2) Manny's confidence.

Miguel Olivo

Three hits, including TWO in the 9th inning. Yadier Molina got a good look at what a real all-star is, especially when Olivo crossed home plate as Molina lolligagged after his Passed Ball. What a joke.

Melvin Mora

A professional AB down six runs. Doesn't give away the AB, just puts a ball in play. Gets himself a hit. Extends the rally.

Clint Barmes

Here's an overlooked plate apperance. Clint Barmes drawing a walk is news all by itself. Clint Barmes drawing a walk under these circumstances is momumental. Terrific job by Barmy.

Chris Iannetta

That HR was a freaking clothesline.

It's so nice to see Chris hitting the ball well. I always predict good things for him, he always seems to leave us wanting more, but he's getting his house in order at a perfect time. His value is on the rise not only to the Rockies, but possibly other teams as well.  And he played third base for a couple innings!

Dexter Fowler

Understands the importance of just getting on base now. His basehit was important because often times a HR signifies a rally killer. Dexter assured us that wouldn't happen.

Carlos Gonzalez

Where the hell was Randy Winn playing? Under normal circumstances CarGo's well hit liner would have found the RF's glove and left us all deflated. With Winn playing practically in the Rockies bullpen, the ball dropped just shy of Winn and extended the inning a little more.

Thanks for that Randy Winn.

Highlight: CarGo's 2-run HR

Jason Giambi

Think he's not loving his playing time? He's a closer killer. Like CarGo's ball, Giambi's may have been playable for a nomrally positioned RF, but Winn again was back and a little more towards the line. The ball dropped, Winn bobbled, Winn dropped, Winn threw in weakly. CarGo scores from first.

Aaron Cook

Always ready to contribute on his non-pitching days. His 1st-to-3rd on Olivo's 2nd hit didn't up factoring in in any way, but just getting to third there gave the Rockies 30 different ways they could have won. Thank you for that effort Aaron.

Seth Smith

Mr. Late Night is quickly becoming one of my favorite Rockies of all-time. We're talking Dante Bichette/Todd Helton/Vinny Castilla levels here. You hate to ever expect a guy to hit a HR or double off the wall when the situation warrants it, but my God, Smith comes through every time.

And that swing? That swing is Helton-esque in his prime years. Seth Smith, my friends, is the best pure hitter on the team.

Highlight: Smith's Walk-off

I think I'm going to wear that highlight out a ton the next 24 hours.

Whew. I'm exhausted. I don't think anything I could write could do this game justice. I I'm incredibly proud of those 25 men wearing Rockies uniforms tonight. That's as good as a feeling as one can get watching a Major League Baseball game.

Yes, even Jeff Francis, who struggled again, but whose comeback shows he's no quitter either.

We'll delve more into that tomorrow.

Tonight, we enjoy our stay on cloud 9.

Go Rockies.

And maybe vote CarGo too if you get a few minutes.