Clips for 7-12-10

MEDIA CLIPS – August 5, 2017

DJ spins win vs. Phils; Rox keep pace in race

By Thomas Harding and Max Gelman / MLB.com

Luis Garcia (1-3) walked Pat Valaika to open the inning. And, although Blackmon was 0-for-3 Friday, his 1.022 OPS coming into the game dictated that the Phillies avoid him -- even if it meant facing LeMahieu, whose hit made him 15-for-

34 (.441) over his last 10 games.

"I don't think they're disrespecting me or anything like that, but it feels good to get hits when they walk to get to me," said

LeMahieu, who won the National League batting crown last year and has shaken an early slump to reach .322.

Phillies manager Pete Mackanin, whose team lost its fourth straight, despite Nick Williams' three hits, said of LeMahieu:

"Well he's a good hitter, all those guys are good hitters. You look at their averages, their on-base percentages, in that last inning it was pick your poison. Do I want to face LeMahieu or Blackmon?"

And the Rockies, who had closer Greg Holland salt away the ninth for his 34th save in 35 chances, took their third one- run victory in the last four games. They hold the second National League Wild Card spot, a half-game behind the D-backs, and 5 1/2 ahead of the Brewers.

"Our guys, when it sort of gets hot and gets tight, are OK," Rockies manager Bud Black said.

Rockies lefty starter Kyle Freeland, who came into the game leading the Majors in several rookie categories, left after just

11 pitches because of a left groin injury.

But lefty Chris Rusin escaped a man on second in the first and bases loaded with no outs in the second, and finished with 3 1/3 scoreless innings. Antonio Senzatela-- a rookie starter helping out the bullpen -- ate two innings and gave up 1

two runs in the sixth inning as part of a good-enough relief effort. Lefty Mike Dunn (4-1) went 1 1/3 innings for his 12th scoreless outing in his last 13.

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED

Thrice as nice: The Phillies' Maikel Franco entered Friday hitting .224, but in the sixth he tripled -- his first of the season and third of his career -- to drive in Williams to tie the game at 2. Franco's hit eluded Carlos Gonzalez, who fell after an awkward route.

Just needed a bigger fly: The Rockies were frustrated with repeated fly-ball outs, especially during Phillies starter Vince

Velasquez's five innings. But leave it to Nolan Arenado to do a fly ball right. Arenado launched a 2-1 fastball from Ricardo Pinto into the bleachers in left-center in the seventh for his 25th home run.

"The momentum was on their side when they came back, tied the game [in the sixth] and took the lead [in the seventh],"

Black said. "Nolan had the big swing that sort of energized us a little bit a couple different ways.

"He had a couple pitches to hit, and he missed them. He was frustrated. That happens. But we'll take Nolan in a big spot any day."

QUOTABLE

"Tonight was a big win, with all the circumstances, with all the things that happened early in the game. We didn't score a bunch of runs, and when your starting pitcher only gets to throw a few pitches and has to come out of the game it looks really ugly. But good teams always find ways to win those games." -- the Rockies' Carlos Gonzalez, who had a two-run single off of Velasquez with the bases loaded in the first, and has hits in 12 of his last 13 games two-run single

"The velocity wasn't up. He was 91, 92 and then he increased the velocity a little bit. … What we're looking for from him is to be able to throw 96 pitches in more innings. The next step for him is to economize his pitches." -- Mackanin on

Velasquez's long first inning and subsequent rebound.

WHAT'S NEXT

Phillies: Rookie right-hander Nick Pivetta (4-6, 5.42 ERA) will make his first career start against the Rockies on

Saturday, beginning at 8:10 p.m. ET. Pivetta gave up one run in six innings in his last outing vs. the Braves, but he had a

9.37 ERA in his three previous starts. On the road, Pivetta has a 6.70 ERA compared to a 3.89 ERA at home.

Rockies: Righty Jon Gray (3-2, 5.52 ERA) is looking to avoid the one hiccup when he faces the Phillies at Coors Field on

Saturday at 6:10 p.m. MT. In his last start, a loss at Washington, Gray was perfect for six of his seven innings, but gave up two homers and three runs in the fifth inning.

Freeland exits in first frame with left groin strain Rockies lefty is MLB rookie leader in wins, ERA and innings pitched

By Thomas Harding / MLB.com | @harding_at_mlb | 12:49 AM ET

DENVER -- Rockies left-handed pitcher Kyle Freeland, the MLB rookie leader in wins (11), ERA (3.71) and innings pitched (121 2/3), left Friday's 4-3 win over the Phillies after 11 pitches with a left groin injury, the severity of which is unclear.

"He's got a groin strain; he's got a groin pull, to some extent," Rockies manager Bud Black said. "These things, just hours after the trauma, we don't know exactly how it's going to set up."

Black added that the "imaging … showed no structural damage," but he expected to know the extent of the injury over the next couple of days.

Freeland grimaced and limped after throwing an 84.8 mph slider to Phillies No. 3 hitter Aaron Altherr with one out and a runner at second in the first inning. He had given up a Cesar Hernandez leadoff single and struck out Freddy Galvis, as

Hernandez stole second. Black said the injury occurred when Freeland squatted to avoid catcher Jonathan Lucroy's throw on the steal. Freeland threw 10 strikes.

Lefty Chris Rusin replaced Freeland and ended the first with the first of his five strikeouts in 3 1/3 innings. Rusin also escaped loaded bases and no outs in the second.

After Rusin's 58 pitches, rookie starter Antonio Senzatela -- skipped this time through the rotation to work on his fastball command and control his innings -- pitched two innings and yielded two runs on three hits. Senzatela, with scant relief experience, had thrown three innings (four strikeouts, one hit) in Wednesday's 10-5 loss to the Mets. He threw 32 Friday.

"They told me before the game, 'Hey, you're out today,' but after what happened to Freeland, [Black] told me, 'Hey, you go after Rusin. Be ready,'" Senzatela said.

Scott Oberg escaped a two-on, two-out situation by forcing a Hyun Soo Kim grounder to end the sixth. He gave up a run in the seventh. Mike Dunn (4-1) pitched 1 1/3 innings for his 11th scoreless outing in his last 12, and Greg

Holland earned his 34th save in 35 changes with a spotless, one-strikeout ninth.

Black noted, "It truly was a total pitching staff effort from a number of guys. In a game like that, when your starter has to exit, it's not easy." 4

Now the Rockies, who hold the second National League Wild Card spot, could be faced with rotation decisions, depending on how long Freeland is out.

Righty Tyler Chatwood gave up eight runs (seven earned) in 5 1/3 innings of Wednesday's loss to the Mets. Afterward, the speculation was that Senzatela would replace Chatwood in the rotation. The Rockies will have to determine if they can ask Senzatela to bounce back from two relief appearances totaling 67 pitches over two days.

Unless the Rockies change their plans, they won't immediately call upon righty Chad Bettis, who hasn't pitched in the

Majors this season because of treatments for testicular cancer. Bettis made his fifth injury rehab start Thursday, for Triple-

A Albuquerque and threw 84 pitches in 5 2/3 innings in a loss at Round Rock. Black said Friday that Bettis will make another rehab start before the team will consider activating him.

Inbox: Are Rusin's contributions undervalued? Beat reporter Thomas Harding answers fans' questions

By Thomas Harding / MLB.com | @harding_at_mlb | August 4th, 2017

DENVER -- Rockies manager Bud Black went into Spring Training viewing left-hander Chris Rusin as a competitor for the starting rotation, before an oblique injury limited his innings and dictated that he would be in the bullpen.

And, as one of the fans who sent a question to today's Edward Jones Beat Reporter's Inbox notes, he's been quite valuable in his role.

Scott Bell @ElevenGrover

Does anyone realize Chris Rusin pitches for the Rockies and is actually kind of good this year?

9:30 AM - Aug 4, 2017

Rusin (3-0, 2.95 ERA in 38 games going into Friday night against the Phillies) has the ability to throw one inning or multiple innings. He has held opponents to a .223 overall batting average and is not a matchup guy. Right-handed batters are hitting .210 while lefties -- whom he doesn't face nearly as often -- are hitting .241. A guy who can throw multiple innings or at different times of the game will be quite valuable in the stretch run and, the Rockies hope, the playoffs.

Will C @will_e_777 what does the rest of the season look like for Tyler Anderson?

2:09 PM - Aug 3, 2017

Placing Anderson (3-5, 6.11 ERA) on the 60-day disabled list after his July 3 arthroscopic surgery on his knee appears to have been best for him. He had two bouts with knee issue early in the season, and his numbers reflect that he never quite was right. So Anderson is doing a comprehensive rehab program. He'll be eligible to return Aug. 25.

TK @TK5280

Will Rockies add another pitcher through waivers? #Rockies

10:46 AM - Aug 4, 2017

It's quite possible they will obtain an experienced pitcher, most likely a reliever, either on a waiver claim or a trade. After the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline, players can be still traded, but first the must after clear waivers. Or a team can simply claim a waived player and end up with him if the waiving club opts to allow it. A player must be in the organization as of Aug. 31 to be eligible for a postseason roster.

Mark Leistico @lesstko

How do we even begin to shake out the starting rotation? Lots of guys but not the time to experiment with letting guys give games away.

12:35 PM - Aug 4, 2017

More arms could be better, should righty Chad Bettis, who most likely will make one more injury rehab start as he returns from testicular cancer, or Anderson come back and perform solidly. I wouldn't say any start down the stretch is an

"experiment." But keep this in mind: In September, with the ability to expand the roster up to 40 players, there could be more options for quicker hooks should a starter struggle.

Lawful Plunder @LawfulPlunder

Over/Under on the number of starts CarGo will get the rest of the season?

9:17 AM - Aug 4, 2017

ave a crystal ball, but I'm going to say he'll start most of them. His struggles with run production so far this season don't hurt as much when he bats sixth (.264 batting average in 20 games going into his start there Friday night) or seventh (4- for-11, one home run).

And in games down the stretch and especially, hypothetically, in the playoffs -- say, a five-game series with three games at Dodger Stadium -- they're likely to want his defense. If you're facing Dodgers pitchers such as Clayton Kershaw, Yu

Darvish, Alex Wood and Rich Hill, those aren't going to be high-scoring games, anyhow.

As much as we may dream of what Raimel Tapia or, if healthy, David Dahl can do, taking the risk of a mistake or a runner taking liberties that he wouldn't take with Gonzalez out there isn't worth it.

Gray aims to stay on a roll at home

By Max Gelman / MLB.com | August 4th, 2017

Jon Gray didn't allow a hit in six of the seven innings he pitched in his last start for the Rockies, but he had one rough frame.

In the fifth inning of his July 30 outing vs. the Nationals, Gray had just been handed a 1-0 lead, only to immediately give up three runs on four hits. The Nationals took the lead five pitches into the frame, thanks to an Adam Lind two-run home run, and tacked on another from a Brian Goodwin solo dinger.

Gray will try to limit big innings Saturday against the Phillies -- one of the worst offenses in the National League -- as the

Rockies continue to battle the D-backs in the National League Wild Card race.

Youngster Nick Pivetta will take the mound for the Phillies. Pivetta pitched well in his previous start, giving up just one run in six innings against the Braves, but had a 9.37 ERA overall in his three outings before that.

Things to know about this game

• Gray has pitched much better at home this season than on the road, not what you'd typically expect at Coors Field. In three home starts, Gray is 2-0 with a 3.71 ERA, six walks and 13 strikeouts.

• Saturday will be Pivetta's first career appearance against the Rockies. He has been considerably worse on the road this year, with a 6.70 road ERA compared to a 3.89 home ERA.

• Cesar Hernandez is the only active Phillies hitter with an extra-base hit against Gray. The second baseman hit a triple off the Rockies' ace last Aug. 12.

Neshek eager to face former club this weekend Newly acquired reliever has struggled so far with Rockies

By Daniel Kramer / MLB.com | August 4th, 2017

DENVER -- Pat Neshek had this weekend's Rockies-Phillies series circled since at least a month ago, but under different circumstances.

Acquired by Colorado from Philadelphia on July 26, the submarine right-hander envisioned a taxing weekend against what he said was among the most formidable lineups he'd faced this year. Neshek, the Phillies' only All-Star, tossed two scoreless innings and gave up just two hits against Colorado at Citizens Bank Park on May 22 and 25.

"I know earlier in the year, when we played [the Rockies], I thought it was the best offenses we played," Neshek said.

Filling a right-handed void for the Rockies, Neshek has made four appearances for Colorado already, with inflated results due to poor pitch selection. He surrendered a homer to Ryan Zimmerman in Washington on Sunday, and blew two saves against the Mets this week in Denver, though both games ended with Colorado wins.

The Rockies liked Neshek's veteran presence and experience pitching in five postseason series, and believe Neshek can counter their hitter-friendly park with his unique deception. Unlike most, Neshek's mechanics generate power through his upper body, with an explosive whip manifested from multiple arm slots.

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"Anybody that does anything that's not traditional adds deception, and it changes the hitter's view," Rockies pitching coach Steve Foster said. "And without having a live-feed virtual reality, it's tough to mimic what he does. He's the only one that does it the way that he does it. That makes it unique."

The Rockies like their tandem of distinctive deliveries to thwart opposing lineups in the eighth and ninth innings, with

Neshek slated to be the primary setup man for Greg Holland, whose left-tumbling follow-through has fooled hitters to a

National League best 33 saves.

Bettis to make at least one more start at Triple-A

Chad Bettis threw a season-high 84 pitches and 5 2/3 innings on Thursday in his fifth rehab start, as he continues to work his way back from his bout with testicular cancer. Rockies manager Bud Black said Bettis had elevated fastball velocity, and will make at least one more start with Triple-A Albuquerque. Per MLB regulations, a pitcher's rehab can not go beyond 30 days; Bettis will reach that on Aug. 12.

"I think Chad would tell you he'd like to be a little more consistent on the secondaries, but all in all, it was another progression for him," Black said. "He's making his starts, he's making his side sessions. He's going to pitch again in five or six days, I'm not sure what date exactly he'll pitch, but he'll make another turn for the Isotopes."

Garneau claimed by Oakland

Catcher Dustin Garneau was claimed off waivers by Oakland on Friday, the A's announced. Garneau broke camp with the Rockies in place of Tom Murphy, who suffered a broken hand in Spring Training, and was optioned to Albuquerque on May 16 when Tony Wolters returned from a concussion. From there, Colorado complemented Wolters and Ryan

Hanigan, who was signed to a Minor League deal on April 2.

In 206 at-bats over 68 big league games since 2015, Garneau slashed .199/.259/.335 with four homers, 16 doubles, 20

RBIs, 60 strikeouts and 16 walks.

DJ LeMahieu lifts Rockies to win over Phillies, but Kyle Freeland is injured LeMahieu said he didn’t feel slighted about the Phillies choosing to pitch to him

By Patrick Saunders / Denver Post | August 4th, 2017

DJ LeMahieu doesn’t display a lot of emotion on the baseball diamond. So it’s a big deal when he pumps his fist and claps his hands.

The all-star second baseman scooted an RBI single through the right side of the infield in the eighth inning Friday night to score Pat Valaika and lift the Rockies to a 4-3 victory over Philadelphia. It was Colorado’s third one-run victory in its last four games at Coors Field.

LeMahieu’s patented opposite-field hit, coming after the Phillies right-handed reliever Luis Garcia intentionally walked Charlie Blackmon, tagged a happy ending on a difficult night that saw rookie left-hander Kyle Freeland leave the game in the first inning with a strained left groin.

LeMahieu, the 2016 National League batting champion, said he didn’t feel slighted about the Phillies choosing to pitch to him rather than the dangerous, and left-handed hitting Blackmon. LeMahieu understood the game strategy. Still, he admitted, there was a lot of satisfaction in his game-winning hit.

“It feels good, for sure,” he said. “It wasn’t, like, disrespect to me or anything like that. But it feels good to do something like that after they walked (Blackmon) to get to me.”

Valaika, the pinch hitter, was once again a hero in a minor role. He drew a walk and then moved into scoring position by alertly taking second on a passed ball charged to Phillies catcher Cameron Rupp.

Nolan Arenado — who else? — tied the game 3-3 with a one-out homer in the seventh off Ricardo Pinto. The 433-foot blast was Arenado’s 25th of the season It was his major-league best 65th extra-base hit.

Closer Greg Holland notched his 34th save in 35 chances with a perfect ninth. It’s the most saves for the Rockies since

Huston Street had 35 in 2009, the last time the Rockies made the playoffs.

The Rockies (63-47) remained a half-game behind Arizona (63-46) for the top wild-card spot in the National League, and still hold a 5-½ game lead over Milwaukee for the second wild card.

Colorado improved to 14-6 in one-run games this season, and that’s a significant statistic to manager Bud Black.

“At critical times we are making pitches and playing good defense,” Black said. “And I think Greg’s overall performance solidifies things at the end. … What it tells me is that, our guys, when it sort of gets hot or it gets tight, we’re OK.”

Freeland was facing Aaron Altherr, the third batter of the game, and had thrown only 11 pitches (10 for strikes) when he abruptly stopped pitching. Catcher Jonathan Lucroy immediately went out to the mound, as did manager Bud Black, assistant trainer Scott Gehert and pitching coach Steve Foster. After Freeland threw a practice pitch, it was quickly determined that he could not continue and he was replaced by Chris Rusin.

Freeland, who appeared to be in some pain, motioned to his left groin while he talked to Black and Gehert. Later,

Freeland could be seen limping in the Rockies’ dugout.

Black was cautious about discussing the severity of the injury or putting a timeline on how long Freeland might be out.

“Just hours after the trauma, we don’t know exactly how this is going to set up,” Black said. “But the next couple of days we’ll know the extent of this. When he comes in tomorrow or the next day, then and we’ll test the strength and see how he’s feeling. The imaging after the game showed no structural damage.

“So we’ll see. But a groin strain, like a calf strain or a hamstring, they are all sort of dicey.”

Freeland, a Denver native and graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School, is 11-7 with a 3.70 ERA. His 11 victories are the most among all major-league rookies this season. If he’s out for any length of time, it will throw a wrench into the

Rockies’ starting rotation.

Rusin, the Rockies’ Swiss Army knife out of the pen, ran into big trouble in the second, giving up three consecutive singles to load the bases before whiffing Cameron Rupp, inducing Phillies starter Vince Velasquez to pop out to second and getting Cesar Hernandez to roll out to second. In 3 ⅓ innings, Rusin struck out five.

The Rockies used six starters total, and they were able to hold the game together.

The Rockies took a 2-0 lead in the first inning off the bat of Gonzales. Colorado loaded the bases with walks by

Blackmon, Gerardo Parra and Mark Reynolds off Phillies starter Vince Velasquez. Then Gonzalez, who has hit safely in

12 of his last 13 games, ripped a two-run single to right-center.

Philadelphia tied the game 2-2 in the sixth off Antonio Senzatela, who was told he would get the night off until Freeland

was injured. Altherr led off with a single and scored on Nick Williams’ double to right center. Williams scored on Maikel

Franco’s triple to right. He should have been held to a double, but Gonzalez whiffed on the bouncing ball, allowing Franco

to reach third. Oberg relieved Senzatela and got pinch-hitter Hyun Soo Kim to groundout to end the rally.

Oberg, however, did give up a go-ahead run to the Phillies in the seventh on a double by Hernandez and an RBI single by

Altherr.

Postgame Notes of Note

• The Rockies improved to 24-11 in series openers this season.

• Chris Rusin five strikeouts tied his career high as a reliever (also Sept. 21, 2016 vs. St. Louis)

• Nolan Arenado hit his 25th home run of the season in the seventh inning, tying him with Charlie Blackmon for the team

lead.

• DJ LeMahieu’s go-ahead RBI single in the eighth inning was his first go-ahead RBI in the eighth inning or later since

Sept. 15, 2015 at the Los Angeles Dodgers.

• Gerardo Parra went 1-for-2 and has now hit safely in 14 of his last 15 games. He’s batting batting .436 (24-for-55) with 10

runs, seven doubles, two home runs, 14 RBIs and five walks over that span.

• Phillies starter Vince Velasquez walked a career-high six batters.

• Maikel Franco recorded his first triple of the season to tie the game in the sixth inning.

Kyle Freeland exits Rockies game in first inning with strained left groin Freeland motioned to his left groin while he talked to Black and Gehert

By Patrick Saunders / Denver Post | August 4th, 2017

The Rockies’ game against Philadelphia got off to a bad start Friday night when rookie left-handed pitcher Kyle Freeland departed the game in the first inning with a left groin injury.

After the Rockies pulled out a 4-3 victory over the Phillies, manager Bud Black called Freeland’s injury “a groin strain and a groin pull.”

Black was cautious about discussing the severity of the injury or putting a timeline on how long Freeland might be out.

“So we’ll see. But a groin strain, like a calf strain or a hamstring, they are all sort of dicey.”

Freeland was facing Aaron Altherr, his third batter of the game, and had thrown only 11 pitches (10 for strikes) when he abruptly stopped pitching. Catcher Jonathan Lucroy immediately went out to the mound, as did manager Bud Black, assistant trainer Scott Gehert and pitching coach Steve Foster. After throwing a pitch, it was quickly determined that

Freeland could not continue and was replaced by Chris Rusin.

Black said Freeland first felt a pull in his groin when he bent down on the mound as Lucroy threw to second in a failed attempt to throw out Cesar Hernandez stealing second.

Freeland, who appeared to be in some pain, motioned to his left groin while he talked to Black and Gehert. Later,

Freeland could be seen limping in the Rockies dugout.

Freeland, a Denver native and graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School, is 11-7 with a 3.70 ERA. His 11 victories are the most among all major-league rookies this season. He’s evolving into a legitimate National League rookie-of-the-year candidate, but if the injury is severe, he could be out for an extended period.

Freeland made his major-league debut on April 7 against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Coors Field. He has pitched 121 ⅓ innings this season, and although the Rockies have scaled back his innings, he has become a staple of the rotation as

Colorado attempts to qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 2009.

Colorado’s starting rotation has been in flux for much of the season and now Black likely will have to make more changes.

Rookie right-hander Antonio Senzatela, who had not pitched above Double-A before this season, is being monitored closely. Lately, he’s been used in a relief role, but he could be in line to replace Freeland in the rotation as soon as

Wednesday in Cleveland.

Veteran right-hander Tyler Chatwood appeared to be out of the rotation after giving up eight runs (seven earned) in a 10-5 loss to the Mets on Wednesday night, but he could be back in the mix.

Veteran right-hander Chad Bettis, who has not pitched in the majors this season as he comes back from treatments from testicular cancer, does not appear quite ready to join the Rockies. He made his fifth injury rehab start Thursday night for

Triple-A Albuquerque, throwing 84 pitches in 5 ⅔ innings in a loss at Round Rock (Texas). Black said Friday that Bettis will make another rehab start before the Rockies consider activating him off the disabled list.

Mike Dunn’s return to form helping stabilize Rockies’ bullpen Dunn had a 4.46 ERA and 1.37 WHIP entering Friday night’s game against Philadelphia

By Patrick Saunders / Denver Post | August 4th, 2017

While the Rockies were searching for relief pitchers as the trade deadline neared, their shaky bullpen was being shored up from within.

Left-hander Mike Dunn has quietly and steadily begun to resemble the pitcher who posted a 1.17 ERA in April before back issues landed him on the disabled list and messed with his mechanics.

“I definitely feel like I’m in a better spot, but there is still room to improve and get sharper,” said Dunn, who signed a three- year, $19 million free-agent contract to come to Colorado. “Initially, my mechanics were off when I came back from injury.

I got that straightened out, but then I put a lot of pressure on myself to return to form right away.

“I started tensing up and fighting myself a little bit. Once I caught on to that, I took a step back and realized that I just needed to concentrate on executing one pitch at a time.”

RELATED: Send a question for the Rockies Mailbag

Dunn had a 4.46 ERA and 1.37 WHIP (walks and hits per innings pitched) entering Friday night’s game against

Philadelphia. That’s certainly not great, but he has held opponents scoreless in 11 of his last 12 appearances with a 0.90

ERA.

“July was good for him and he looks back on track,” manager Bud Black said. “His pitches are condensed in the strike zone and his slider has been much better. Even the curveball, which he uses sparingly, has landed much more consistently. He’s getting back to form.”

Bettis update. Right-hander Chad Bettis, working his way back from testicular cancer, will make at least one more start for Triple-A Albuquerque before he joins the starting rotation, Black confirmed Friday.

Bettis pitched 5 ⅔ innings for Triple-A Albuquerque against Round Rock (Texas) on Thursday night. He allowed five runs

(three earned) on eight hits, including a solo homer, and two walks. He struck out five.

“Chad threw pitches into the sixth inning, which is great, and his fastball velocity was up a tick, which was good to see,”

Black said. “His breaking pitches were effective, at times. I think Chad will tell you he would like to be a little bit more consistent. All in all, it was another step for him. He’s going to pitch again, in five or six days, for the Isotopes.”

Walk-off tidbits. Nolan Arenado‘s ninth-inning plate appearance resulting in Colorado’s 5-4, walk-off win over the Mets on Thursday afternoon was rare, for a couple of reasons.

After starting with an 0-2 count, Arenado walked with the bases loaded to drive in the winning run. That was the second time in 84 plate appearances this season in which he walked after starting with an 0-2 count, according to the Elias Sports

Bureau.

Arenado’s walk-off walk marked the first time in more than 11 years the Rockies won a game in that fashion. The last time was on May 5, 2006 vs. Houston when Jamey Carroll drew a free pass with the bases loaded. The Rockies also won that game 5-4.

Looking ahead

Phillies RHP Nick Pivetta (4-6, 5.42 ERA) at Rockies RHP Jon Gray (3-2, 5.52), 6:10 p.m. Saturday, AT&T SportsNet;

850 AM

Jon Gray had high hopes of establishing himself as the Rockies’ ace this season. That has not happened. First, he got hurt early in the season. Since his return, he has been so-so — at best. The stocky right-hander is 3-2 with a 5.97 ERA over his last six starts. Gray has performed well at Coors Field this season, going 2-0 with a 3.71 ERA in three starts with

13 strikeouts vs. six walks. Pivetta lives and dies by his fastball. He has a changeup, curveball and a slider, but he needs his fastball to hum if he’s going to thrive. It certainly hummed in his last start when he allowed one run on three hits in six innings vs. Atlanta. In his previous three starts, however, he posted a 9.37 ERA. He has never faced the Rockies.

Sunday: Phillies RHP Aaron Nola (8-7, 3.16 ERA) at Rockies RHP Jeff Hoffman (6-3, 5.38), 1:10 p.m., AT&T SportsNet

Monday: Off

Tuesday: Rockies RHP German Marquez (9-4, 4.11) at Indians RHP Carlos Carrasco (10-4, 3.89), 5:10 p.m., AT&T

SportsNet

The Rockies come from behind late to beat the Phillies 4-3 A seventh inning home run from Nolan Arenado helped the Rockies beat the Phillies.

By Eric Garcia McKinley / Purple Row | August 4th, 2017

The Rockies lost Kyle Freeland after two and a half batters and the Phillies outhit the Rockies, but Colorado was able to stave off the Phillies and win it 4-3 on Friday.

Phillies starter Vince Velasquez couldn’t find the plate in a long first inning. He walked three batters around a couple of outs, which loaded the bases with two outs and Carlos González up to bat. CarGo hit a single up the middle to drive in two runs and give the Rockies a 2-0 lead.

Freeland was removed in the first inning after having faced just two batters with what looks like a groin injury. The

2 Rockies bullpen combined to throw 8 ⁄3 quality innings though. It started with Chris Rusin, who replaced Freeland in the first inning and finished it without allowing a run. In the second inning, however, Rusin got himself into an even more difficult than Velasquez faced in the first. He allowed three consecutive singles to start the inning, which loaded the bases

1 with nobody out. He got out of it with a strikeout, a pop out, ad a fly out. In all, Rusin pitched 3 ⁄3 scoreless innings. He allowed four hits, didn’t walk a batter, and struck out five.

Antonio Senzatela relieved Rusin in the fourth. He retired the final batter that inning and pitched a clean fifth, but the

Phillies got to him in the sixth. Aaron Altherr led off with a single, and after Senzatela retired Tommy Joseph, Nick

Williams doubled and Maikel Franco tripled to tie the game at two. After Senzatela walked Cameron Rupp, Black pulled him from the game and inserted Scott Oberg. Oberg needed one pitch to end the inning and keep the score tied 2-2.

The seventh didn’t go quite as well for Oberg. César Hernández led off with a double, and Freddie Galvis moved him to third after grounding out. The Rockies played the infield in, and Altherr snuck a single past a diving Alexi Amarista to give the Phillies a 3-2 lead.

It didn’t take long for the Rockies to tie it up though. In the bottom of the seventh, Nolan Arenado tied the game with a solo home run to left-center field. It was his 25th home run of the season, as well as his 97th RBI.

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The Rockies took the lead back in the eighth. Pat Valaika, who entered the game earlier as part of a double switch, led off the inning with a walk. Neither Jonathan Lucroy nor Raimel Tapia could bring him home. DJ LeMahieu, however, bounced a grounder to the right side that made it into right field to score Valaika and give the Rockies a 4-3 lead. Greg

Holland, the fifth Rockies reliever of the game, pitched a scoreless ninth inning to secure the win for the Rockies.

The Rockies improved to 63-47. The second game of this three game set begins tomorrow at 6:10 MT. Jon Gray starts for the Rockies and Nick Pivetta gets the ball for the Phillies.

Rockies’ Kyle Freeland leaves start in first inning The rookie starting pitcher was removed after 11 pitches due to an apparent groin injury

By Adam Peterson / Purple Row | August 4th, 2017

Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Kyle Freeland was removed from his start Friday night at Coors Field after just two batters faced. After allowing a single to Phillies’ second baseman Cesar Hernandez and striking out Freddy Galvis,

Freeland seemed to tweak something in his leg or groin area while pitching to Aaron Altherr. He briefly walked around the mound before manager Bud Black and the training staff came out to check on him. He threw a couple of practice pitches before ultimately being pulled from the game. Chris Rusin came on in relief.

Freeland is having an excellent rookie campaign for the Rockies, posting a record of 11-7 with a 3.71 ERA in

1 121 ⁄3 innings pitched. He has just a 5.64 K/9 and 3.26 BB/9 but has been helped by a 55.6% ground ball rate, fifth highest among qualified starters. In his last start, July 30 against Washington, he went five innings while allowing four runs

(three earned) on nine hits and four strikeouts with no walks. He earned the win in the 10-6 Rockies victory.

We’ll have more on this story as it develops.

Colorado Rockies morning after: Kyle Freeland has a groin injury

By Noah Yingling / Rox Pile | August 4th, 2017

The Rockies defeated the Philadelphia Phillies last night by a score of 4-3 but Rockies starter Kyle Freeland could not get out of the first inning as he left with what was later determined to be a groin injury.

The Rockies game, last night, was a see-saw match. The Rockies entered the sixth inning with a 2-0 lead, a lead that they had since the first thanks to a two-RBI single by Carlos Gonzalez after the bases were loaded on walks.

However, in the sixth inning, Antonio Senzatela, who was pitching in relief, gave up a lead off single to Phillies right fielder Aaron Altherr. After first baseman Tommy Joseph popped up to DJ LeMahieu, Phillies left-fielder Nick

Williams drove Altherr in with an RBI double. Third baseman Maikel Franco delivered what was generously scored as a

RBI triple to drive in Williams (the ball was hit to right-center field and Carlos Gonzalez had the ball go right under his glove and to the wall).

For Senzatela, he gave up three hits and two runs in two innings. Prior to last night when pitching in relief, Senzatela had logged eight innings and he had allowed two hits and one run.

The Phillies took the lead in the seventh inning off Scott Oberg when he gave up a lead-off double by Cesar

Hernandez and an RBI single by Altherr. However, in the bottom half of the inning, Nolan Arenado did what he does best as he hit a 433 foot homer to center field.

The Rockies re-gained the lead in the eighth inning on an RBI single by DJ LeMahieu that scored Pat Valaika (who was the Rockies third shortstop of the evening) from second base and they never looked back as closer Greg Holland shut it down for his major league leading 34th save on the season.

Freeland’s injury

However, in the first inning, the Rockies had to remove their starter, Kyle Freeland, after only facing two batters as he had a groin injury. Rockies manager Bud Black said that the injury was (courtesy of the Denver Post) “a groin strain and a groin pull.”

If Freeland has both a strain and a pull, that would be bad news for the Rockies. A strain usually means a more severe injury and a longer recovery time. Freeland was in the dugout and he was limping fairly badly after the incident.

However, Black added this after the game (again, courtesy of the Denver Post):

Just hours after the trauma, we don’t know exactly how this is going to set up…but [in] the next couple of days we’ll know the extent of this. When he comes in tomorrow or the next day…we’ll test the strength and see how he’s feeling. The imaging after the game showed no structural damage. So we’ll see. But a groin strain, like a calf strain or a hamstring, they are all sort of dicey.

Final Thoughts

It was a hard-fought win for the Rockies but the Rockies are hoping that this doesn’t turn out to be a bad injury for

Freeland. The Rockies will be getting reinforcement soon with Chad Bettis returning soon (as we discussed in this article from yesterday) but if Freeland is out for any extended amount of time, that would be a huge blow to the Rockies.

Colorado Rockies news and notes: Bettis, Garneau, and Arenado’s walk-off

By Noah Yingling / Rox Pile | August 4th, 2017

We have news and notes for you on Chad Bettis, Dustin Garneau, and Nolan Arenado’s walk-off walk yesterday.

Chad Bettis made his fifth minor league rehab start with Triple-A Albuquerque last night and he did not fair well. He went

5 2/3 innings and he allowed eight hits, five runs (all earned), two walks, and five strikeouts. Bettis was saddled with the loss as the Isotopes lost to the Round Rock Express (the Triple-A team of the Texas Rangers) by a score of 6-1.

He, of course, has been recovering from testicular cancer and he has not appeared at the major league level since 2016.

Nick Groke of the Denver Post reports in this article that Bettis will likely make one more start for Albuquerque before being elevated to the major leagues. If he stays on a schedule of four days of rest between starts, his first start back would be on Sunday, August 13, which would be the series finale for the Rockies and Miami Marlins in Miami.

Dustin Garneau

Earlier today, the Oakland Athletics claimed Rockies catcher Dustin Garneau off of waivers. Garneau became expendable especially after the Rockies acquired Jonathan Lucroyon July 30. He has played 68 games with the Rockies in the past three seasons combined. He had little success as he hit .199 with a .259 on-base percentage and a .335 slugging percentage.

This season in Triple-A Albuquerque, the 29 year old Garneau has played in 36 games and he has 10 HRs, 26 RBIs, a

.281 average, .347 on-base percentage, and a .617 slugging percentage.

He has been in the Rockies organization for his entire career and this was his 9th season in the organization.

Nolan Arenado and his walk-off walk

After starting with an 0-2 count, Nolan Arenado walked with the bases loaded in the ninth inning driving in the winning run in the Rockies’ 5-4 win over the Mets on Thursday.

According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Arenado had walked only once in 83 plate appearances in which he started with an

0-2 count this season prior to Thursday’s action.

Also according to the Elias Sports Bureau, it marked the first time in over 11 years the Rockies won a game with a game- ending walk. The last player to do it was Jamey Carroll was issued a free pass with the bases loaded in the ninth inning against the Houston Astros (then of the National League) giving Colorado a 5-4 victory on May 5, 2006.

For the fans who want a blast to the past, here was the Rockies starting lineup that day:

1. Cory Sullivan, CF

2. Jamey Carroll, 2B

3. Todd Helton, 1B

4. Garrett Atkins, 3B

5. Matt Holliday, LF

6. Brad Hawpe, RF

7. Clint Barmes, SS

8. Danny Ardoin, C

9. Byung-Hyun Kim, P

LeMa Magic: Rockies win with late heroics yet again

By Drew Creasman / BSN Denver | August 4th, 2017

The Colorado Rockies never tire of late game heroics. For the third time in four games, they needed a late rally to win but instead of waiting for Nolan Arenado to do the honors, as has become tradition, it was second baseman DJ

LeMahieu who delivered the goods late, singling in his signature fashion through the right side to secure a 4-3 win over the Philadelphia Phillies.

The game started on a sour note for Colorado as rookie sensation Kyle Freeland had to leave the game with an apparent leg injury just 11 pitches into the contest.

It took 45 minutes to complete the first frame in the game after the Freeland injury and an early Rockies rally. Vince

Velasquez needed to throw 36 pitches to eventually escape the inning, issuing walks to Charlie Blackmon, Gerardo Parra, and Mark Reynolds — all good at-bats from the Rockies perspective — before Carlos Gonzalez drove in a pair of runs with a hard single up the middle.

Chris Rusin came in for Freeland and he was nothing short of phenomenal.

Rusin got into trouble in the second, giving up three straight singles to Nick Williams, Maikel Franco, and Odubel

Herrera who reached on a bunt. Starting at a bases loaded, nobody out situation in the eyes, Rusin didn’t blink. He struck out Cameron Rupp on an unhittable changeup and then proceeded to get Velasquez to pop out in the infield and Cesar

Hernandezto ground into a routine out at second, stranding all three runners and preserving the two-run lead.

His final line: 3.1, 4 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 5 K. He threw 36 of his 58 pitches for strikes. In a game he didn’t even know for sure he would be pitching, Rusin was once again a lifesaver for the Rockies. He won’t let them down.

Colorado had scoring opportunities in the fourth and fifth with doubles from Jonathan Lucroy and Gerardo Parra, but couldn’t cash in on either.

The Phillies tied the game in the sixth against Antonio Senzatela who came on for Rusin. Aaron Altherr hit a bloop single that Blackmon dove for and missed, coming around to score on an opposite-field double from Williams. Williams scored on a triple from Franco that was misplayed in right by Gonzalez to tie the game at two runs apiece. Senzatela got Herrera to ground out weakly but walked Rupp. Manager Bud Black decided it was a good time for a double switch and brought in Scott Oberg to finish the inning and Alexi Amarista to play shortstop. Oberg retired the final batter in the sixth with runners at first and third to keep the game tied.

After another frustrating half-inning on offense, Oberg allowed a lead-off double to Herandez in the seventh. He moved up on a ground ball from Freddy Galvis and scored on a line drive single from Altherr just out of the reach of the diving

Amarista who had been pulled in. Tommy Josephfollowed that with a pop up behind the plate and Black decided it was double-switch time again, putting Pat Valaika in for Amarista and bringing lefty Mike Dunn into the game. Dunn struck out

Williams looking to end the inning.

The Philadelphia lead didn’t last long. Nolan Arenado crushed his 25th home run of the season over the fence in the deepest part of the ballpark in left-center field to tie the game at three. That was Arenado’s 97th RBI of the year, he is in front of second place by 12.

In the bottom of the eighth, Valaika drew a walk and moved up on a ball in the dirt, Blackmon was intentionally walked late for the second game in a row so the Phillies could pitch to the defending batting champion. It didn’t take a gap shot or a homer, all the Rockies needed was a “LeMahieu” and that’s exactly what they got.

Greg Holland was called upon to record his MLB-leading 34th save of the season and did so with relative ease. He now sports a 1.57 ERA.

Colorado improved to 63-47. They look to take the series Saturday at 6:10 with Jon Gray on the hill against Nick Pivetta.

Patchwork pitching effort and late heroics lead Rockies over Phillies

By MHS Staff / Mile High Sports | August 4th, 2017

Bud Black had to work a little Coors Field magic on Friday night after he lost starting pitcher Kyle Freeland to a groin injury after 11 pitches. DJ LeMahieu delivered a little Coors Field magic with a go-ahead single in the bottom of the eighth inning to give the Rockies a 4-3 victory in game one a weekend series with the Philadelphia Phillies.

It was a patchwork night for the Rockies pitching staff. Freeland injured his groin on a throw to second base in the first inning after allowing a leadoff single and a stolen base and had to leave the game, but Chris Rusindelivered 3.1 innings of scoreless relief to give the Rockies a fighting chance. Antonio Senzatela followed Rusin with 2.0 innings of his own, allowing a pair of runs on three hits and a walk. Scott Oberg got Senzatela out of a jam in the sixth inning but ran into some trouble in the seventh, spotting the Phillies a one-run lead at the time. Mike Dunn (4-1, 4.30) struck out Nick

Williams to end the seventh pitched a clean eighth to put himself in place for the win. Greg Holland pitched a 1-2-3 ninth to earn his MLB-best 34th save.

Offensively, Nolan Arenado and LeMahieu provided some late-game heroics, and Carlos Gonzalez continued to heat up.

Gonzalez spotted Colorado an early lead with a two-RBI single in the bottom of the first inning after Vince

Velasquez walked the bases loaded in the first inning. Velasquez walked a career high six batters and hit a batter in his

5.0 innings. Arenado hit a clutch seventh-inning home run off Ricardo Pinto to level the game after Oberg had surrendered the lead in the top half of the frame. LeMahieu drove in the game-winning run with a two-out single in the eighth.

Colorado is 63-47 on the year, a half-game back of the Diamondbacks for the top Wild Card spot and 5.5 games ahead of the Brewers. The Rockies and Phillies are back at it again on Saturday at 6:10 p.m. Jon Gray (3-2, 5.52) gets the ball for

Colorado. Nick Pivetta (4-6, 5.42) goes for Philadelphia.

Rockies Have Answered Injury Questions (updated)

By Tracy Ringolsby / Inside the Seams | August 4th, 2017

Kyle Freeland, the Rockies most consistent starting pitcher and the latest to master Coors Field, departed 11 pitches into

Friday’s game against the Phillies with a calf strain. The Rockies shook off the disappointment, and pulled out a 4-3 victory. That’s the way their season has gone. Injuries have not distracted this team.

Will Freeland wind up on the disabled list? The Rockies have not made that decision. The way the schedule is set up, however, they could easily take the precaution and put Freeland on the DL for 10 days without a major shuffling of the rotation. With the Rockies off on Monday and Thursday of the coming week they could provide normal rest for the four other members of the rotation, and not need a fifth starter until Aug. 15.

That remains to be seen. What is known is the Rockies have dealt with injuries without ruining their season.

They go into Saturday’s game with the Phillies holding onto the No. 2 wild-card spot in the NL, a half game back of the

Diamondbacks for the No. 1 wild-card spot, and more importantly 5 1/2 games ahead of the Brewers for the second wild- card spot. And that’s despite players have spent 584 games on the disabled list.

NL Wild-Card Standings Team W L Pct GB

Diamondbacks 63 46 .578 –

Rockies 63 47 .573 –

Brewers 58 53 .523 5.5

Pirates 53 56 .486 9.5

Cardinals 53 56 .486 9.5

Marlins 51 56 .477 11

Braves 50 58 .463 12

Mets 49 58 .458 13

Padres 48 60 .444 14

Reds 45 64 .413 18

Giants 42 69 .378 22

Phillies 39 68 .364 23

The Rockies have used the disabled list 21 times. Players on the disabled list have been sidelined a total of 584 games going into Saturday, nd that’s with four players still sidelined — right-hander Chad Bettis, left-hander Tyler Anderson, first baseman/left fielder Ian Desmond, and left-handed pitcher Jake McGee.

What has been impressive is how the Rockies have been able to fill the holes of the projected regulars.

Consider they went into spring training envisioning four veterans and one rookie in the projected rotation. All four veterans have spent time on the disabled list:

Projected Veterans In Rotation DL

RHP Tyler Chatwood 9 games

RHP Chad Bettis 110+ games

RHP Jon Gray 92 games

LHP Tyler Anderson 50+ games Four rookies, however, have come to the rescue, starting with Freeland. they have combined to start 69 of the Rockies first 110 games. They are a combined 36-18, and the Rockies are 44-25 in games the rookies have started. In games the three veterans have started the rockies are a combined 18-23.

Pitchers who have started for the Rockies this season:

Starters W L Pct GS ERA Team W-L

Kyle Freeland 11 7 .611 21 3.79 13-8

Tyler Chatwood 6 12 .333 20 5.08 7-13

German Marquez 9 4 .692 18 4.11 12-6

Antonio Senzatela 10 4 .714 17 4.99 11-6

Jeff Hoffman 6 3 .667 13 5.35 8-5

Tyler Anderson 3 5 .375 12 6.21 5-7

Jon Gray 3 2 .600 9 5.52 6-3 The Rockies also have received a lift from players who have stepped into the lineup when a projected regular has been injured. Projected starting catcher Tom Murphy, first baseman Ian Desmond, shortstop Trevor Story, left fielder David

Dahl and right fielder Carlos Gonzalez have all missed games with injuries.

A look at production out of the positions where projected regular spent time on the disabled list:

Catcher G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO AVG

Tony Wolters 62 194 29 47 8 0 0 14 26 46 .242

Ryan Hanigan 26 88 8 24 2 0 2 12 7 24 .273

Dustin Garneau 22 66 5 14 7 0 1 6 4 23 .212

Tom Murphy 6 18 0 1 1 0 0 1 2 7 .056

Jonathan Lucroy 2 6 1 3 1 0 0 0 0 1 .500

Player G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO AVG

Mark Reynolds 97 358 62 104 17 1 22 69 50 117 .291

Ian Desmond 15 48 8 12 1 1 4 13 2 14 .25

Gerardo Parra 5 11 1 1 0 0 1 2 1 3 .091

Player G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO AVG

Trevor Story 92 317 44 72 14 1 14 48 34 124 .227

Pat Valaika 19 52 9 12 2 0 5 14 2 11 .231

Alexi Amarista 13 46 7 16 4 0 1 10 0 6 .348

Cristhian Adames 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 .000

Player G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO AVG

David Dahl — — — — — — — — — — —-

Ian Desmond 51 192 25 57 7 0 1 19 12 50 .297

Gerardo Parra 49 159 24 57 15 0 4 34 9 24 .358

Raimel Tapia 13 42 7 13 4 1 1 3 2 10 .310

Stephen Cardullo 6 18 2 3 0 0 0 1 1 4 .167

Alexi Amarista 3 5 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 3 .200

Pat Valaika 3 3 0 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 .667

Mike Tauchman 2 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .250

Player G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO AVG

Carlos Gonzalez 84 316 43 72 16 0 7 30 32 74 0.228

Raimel Tapia 18 56 10 18 4 0 1 6 3 11 0.321

Gerardo Parra 12 39 10 17 0 0 3 8 1 3 0.436

Alexi Amarista 8 8 3 3 2 0 0 2 1 0 0.375

Stephen Cardullo 2 5 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0.2

Mike Tauchman 1 2 0 1 0 0 0 1 2 0 0.5 Bold denotes anticipated starter before spring training began. The list of Rockies players who have been on the disabled list and how many of the first 110 games they were on the disabled list.

Player Injury On DL Activated Missed

110+ RHP Chad Bettis Testicular Cancer 3-Apr TBD games

RHP Jairo Diaz Arm Surgery 3-Apr 29-Apr 24

C Tom Murphy Fractured R Forearm 3-Apr 15-Jun 68

1B/LF Ian Desmond Fractured L Hand 3-Apr 30-Apr 25

LF David Dahl Stress Reaction Rib 3-Apr 20-Jul 97

LHP Chris Rusin R Oblique Strain 3-Apr 9-Apr 6

RHP Chad Qualls R Forearm Tightness 3-Apr 26-Apr 21

RHP Jon Gray L Foot Navicular 14-Apr 30-Jun 70

LHP Mike Dunn Back Spasms 26-Apr 3-May 6

C Tony Wolters Concussion 3-May 16-May 12

SS Trevor Story L Shoulder Strain 11-May 23-May 11

R Shoulder RHP Adam Ottavino 30-May 9-Jun 9 Inflamation

LHP Tyler Anderson L Knee Inflamation 4-Jun 22-Jun 16

LF Gerardo Parra R Quad Strain 7-Jun 7-Jul 29

RHP Chad Qualls Lower Back Spasms 18-Jun 26-Jun 7

OF Carlos Gonzalez Right Shoulder Strain 26-Jun 3-Jul 6

LHP Tyler L Knee Inflamation 26-Jun TBD 32+ Anderson

1B/LF Ian Desmond R Calf Strain 3-Jul 16-Jul 9

RHP Tyler R Calf Strain 26-Jul 26-Jul 9 Chatwood

1B/LF Ian R Calf Strain 28-Jul TBD 7+ Desmond

LHP Jake McGee Mid Back Strain 30-Jul TBD 6+

Rockies overcome Freeland injury to beat Phillies 4-3

By Associated Press / ESPN.com | August 4th, 2017

DENVER -- Kyle Freeland lasted just three batters before leaving with a strained left groin. The Rockies' relievers kept them in the game until the hitters could win it.

Five relievers teamed up to help overcome the loss of Freeland, and Colorado got a game-tying homer from Nolan

Arenado in the seventh inning and a go-ahead RBI single by D.J. LeMahieu in the eighth for a 4-3 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday night.

"Everyone did a great job keeping it a close game to give our offense a chance to win it," said Mike Dunn (4-1), who picked up the victory with 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief.

Freeland, whose 11 wins this season lead major league rookies, appeared to tweak his leg after delivering a pitch to Aaron Altherr. Manager Bud Black and team trainers came out to check Freeland and made the decision to pull him after he threw several warmup pitches.

"Our bullpen was amazing," said Pat Valaika, who scored the winning run. "That's hard to do for almost nine innings, to keep the game close for us. But this game was pretty much won by our relievers."

There's still no word on Freeland's status for his next start. Freeland, who recorded one out before being forced out, was receiving treatment after the game and unavailable for comment.

Chris Rusin was the first of the five relievers used by the Rockies. Greg Hollandfinished up by getting three outs for his

34th save, the most for a Rockies pitcher in 12 years.

With the score tied at 3, Valaika started the eighth by drawing a walk off Luis Garcia (1-3). Garcia retired the next two batters and Charlie Blackmon was then walked intentionally before LeMahieu drove a single to right-center field to score

Valaika.

"In that last inning, it was pick your poison," Phillies manager Pete Mackanin said. "Do I want to face Blackmon or

LeMahieu? He is a good hitter. All those guys are good hitters."

LeMahieu said he wasn't bothered that the Phillies walked Blackmon to get to him.

"I didn't think he was disrespecting me or anything like that but it did feel good to come through in that situation," said

LeMahieu, last season's NL batting champion.

The Phillies took a 3-2 lead in the seventh on Altherr's RBI single but the Rockies came right back in their half of the inning against Ricardo Pinto, as Arenado's 25th home run tied the game.

Trailing 2-0, the Phillies tied it in the sixth behind Nick Williams' run-scoring double and Maikel Franco's RBI triple, both off reliever Antonio Senzatela.

The Rockies broke on top, taking advantage of three first-inning walks by Vince Velasquez that loaded the bases before Carlos Gonzalez delivered a two-out, two-run single.

The Phillies are 0-4 at the halfway point of an eight-game road trip.

TRAINERS' ROOM

Phillies: Catcher Andrew Knappwas held out of the lineup because of a bruised right hand. Knapp left Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Angels after being struck by a foul ball. Cameron Ruppstarted at catcher in place of Knapp and Jorge Alfaro was recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. ... Altherr left the game in the eighth inning with a hamstring injury and may be headed for a stint on the disabled list, Mackanin said after the game.

Rockies: RHP Chad Bettis took another step toward rejoining the team after battling testicular cancer. He pitched into the sixth inning in a rehab start Thursday for the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes. Black said Bettis is expected to take another turn with the Isotopes in five days and his status -- he remains on the 60-day disabled list -- will be re-evaluated after that.

UP NEXT

Phillies: Canadian-born RHP Nick Pivetta (4-6, 5.45 ERA) is slated to start the middle game of the series after pitching six innings of one-run ball in his last start.

Rockies: RHP Jon Gray (3-2, 5.52 ERA) has gone 2-0 with a 3.71 ERA in three previous starts at Coors Field this season.