Giants 4, Rockies 0: Offense absent in late-night loss

The Rockies couldn’t figure out San Francisco’s staff as they once again failed to generate meaningful contact.

There wasn’t much to write home about on Friday night as the Colorado Rockies found themselves overwhelmed by the duo of Robbie Ray and Hayden Birdsong. Antonio Senzatela’s start wasn’t terrible, but his four runs allowed were more than enough for the San Francisco Giants to cruise to a 4-0 victory.

Sorrowful second inning

The Giants took the early advantage in the second inning when Wilmer Flores doubled and moved to third on Heliot Ramos’ single. LaMonte Wade Jr., who entered the game hitting .123, laced a double down the right-field line to bring home the game’s first run.

Sam Huff then recorded an RBI sacrifice fly for the second out before a wild pitch allowed Ramos to trot home, giving San Francisco a 3-0 lead.

Not a great way to kick things off in the Bay.

Showing some life…kinda

The Rockies, desperately seeking some sort of offensive spark, found themselves in a position to strike back when Owen Miller led off the sixth with a walk. Ray managed to retire Alan Trejo and Brenton Doyle, but Jordan Beck — hotter than anyone else in Colorado’s lineup — singled to put runners on the corner with two outs.

Hunter Goodman then stepped up with a chance to put a dent in San Francisco’s lead, but instead grounded out to end the threat.

Senza’s start

All things being equal, Senzatela actually turned in a solid start on Friday.

Other than that brutal second frame, the right-hander managed to keep the Giants off the scoreboard for the majority of his start. He worked around traffic — seven hits and four walks in his five innings — but his four strikeouts came at key moments to help avoid any further damage, other than a Matt Chapman home run in the fourth.

Ray-n on Rockies parade

After winning back-to-back games, the Rockies were hoping they could keep the good vibes going with a third straight win. Ray and Birdsong were unwilling to let that happen as they blanked the visiting Rox with little resistance.

Ray dominated for his seven innings, allowing just two hits and two walks while striking out eight and generating weak contact throughout. Birdsong picked up right where Ray left off, allowing a hit and naught else as he sent Colorado’s hitters back to the dugout with little fanfare.

Up next

The series’ third game occurs Saturday afternoon when Bradley Blalock, making his second start of the season, will look to out-duel Jordan Hicks.

That game begins at 2:05pm MDT. See you then!

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