Jeff Francis vs. Stephen Strasburg
Denver, CO – Jeff Francis threw only 66 pitches through 5 innings to out duel the Washington Nationals ace Stephen Strasburg. Francis did not get the win but stepped up to limit the Nationals to 2 runs and only 5 hits. Francis baffled Washington’s phenom Bryce Harper, striking him out twice on a wicked tailing fastball. The only negative to take from Francis’ start was the increased streak of Rockies starters not getting a win for the 19th time in a row.
The Colorado Rockies received a scare in the sixth inning when Strasburg beaned Marco Scutaro in the head, knocking him to the dirt and out of the game. Scutaro appeared to be OK but was pulled from the game for fear of a concussion. The sixth started out with Dexter Fowler drilling a triple into the right field corner. Chris Nelson pinch ran for Scutaro. Carlos Gonzalez followed up with a run scoring single and was followed by a single by Michael Cuddyer to load the bases. Veteran Todd Helton stepped to the plate and looped a single to center on a slow curve ball, putting the Rockies ahead for good.
Although just one win the Colorado Rockies can take some inspiration in the performance by Jeff Francis. The Rockies look to take another game tonight against the Washington Nationals, sending Christian Friedrich to the mound against Gio Gonzalez. Friedrich has struggled a bit with a record of 4-4 and an ERA of 5.65 but can look to turn things around at Coors Field and will have to combat 100+ degree temperatures tonight.
Denver Sports Chat – Kris Loco
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