Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Quick Game 1 Recap and Game 2 Lineups

Rockies 2, Pirates 1 (boxscore)



Well done, Esmil.




Just that simple. That just quick.

Juan Nicasio's Line: 6 2/3 IP, 1 ER, 9 H, 1 BB, 5 K, 1 HR, 95 pitches (61 strikes)

Nicasio has been getting by almost exclusively on his fastball since debuting with the Rockies last May. Today, however, he was throwing his developing slider for strikes early in counts get ahead —  even threw it for a strike in a 2-0 count — and also used it to wipe a couple hitters out. Very encouraging.

If Nicasio can continue to develop the type of confidence and effectiveness in his slider that we saw today, he'll be in great shape going forward.

Highlight of the Afternoon: I want to tip my cap to Wilin Rosario's for keeping the Pirates running game in check.

First inning, the speedy Alex Presley leads off with a single to left-center. After Clint Hurdle surprisingly decides to not bunt with Jose Tabata, Presley attempted to swipe the bag and Rosario gunned him down rather easily. Then, after Pittsburgh tied the game in seventh, Rosario throws out Clint Barmes (pitch out helped) to kill any potential rally there. Big, big plays in a tightly contested game.

Game 2 Lineups

Colorado Rockies (9-8)
  1. Marco Scutaro (2B)
  2. Dexter Fowler (CF)
  3. Carlos Gonzalez (LF)
  4. Troy Tulowitzki (SS)
  5. Todd Helton (1B)
  6. Michael Cuddyer (RF)
  7. Ramon Hernandez (C)
  8. Jonathan Herrera (3B)
  9. Jhoulys Chacin (P)
Pittsburgh Pirates (7-10)
  1. Alex Presley (LF)
  2. Nate McLouth (RF)
  3. Andrew McCutchen (CF)
  4. Garrett Jones (1B)
  5. Pedro Alvarez (3B)
  6. Yamaico Navarro (2B)
  7. Clint Barmes (SS)
  8. Rod Barajas (C)
  9. Charlie Morton (P)