Orioles scored a lot, the Rockies did not
After an exciting come-from-behind win on Friday night, the Colorado Rockies took a massive step back on Saturday, suffering the second-worst shutout loss in franchise history since they fell 21-0 against the San Diego Padres back in May. If you wanted to watch birds terrorize people, you may have been better off watching Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds” for two hours.
Additionally, this was the largest shutout win in Orioles history, beating the 17-0 win over the Chicago White Sox on July 27, 1969.
Back to the norm?
After such a great start his last time out, the same issues that have plagued Antonio Senzatela all season showed up again in this game.
In the first inning, he struggled to find his command after hitting Jordan Westburg with a pitch and then walking Gunnar Henderson. Then, Ryan O’Hearn singled a ball to left field to give the Orioles an early 1-0 lead. Senzatela did do what he does best and got a groundball double play to escape the inning. However, his first-inning struggles have persisted, and he now owns an 8.55 ERA on the year in the opening frame.
The Oriole got after him again in the second with a lead-off single and a two-run home run for Tyler O’Neill. After a clean third inning, Senzatela then surrendered a lead off double in the fourth, a one-out walk, and then a three-run home run by Cedric Mullins to give the O’s a 6-0 lead.
He got out of the inning but ended his name having thrown 77 pitches, allowing six runs on six hits over four innings of work, while striking out three, walking two, and giving up two home runs.
A seventh-inning disaster
The Orioles continued to rain hits down on the Rockies’ pitching, but it came to a head in the seventh inning. Baltimore ended up scoring nine runs in the inning on eight hits. They had three doubles and five singles along with two walks.
Pouring salt in an already open wound, Zach Agnos started the inning after coming in relief to end the sixth inning and ended up having to leave the game with an arm injury. After throwing a pitch, Agnos immediately started shaking his arm and pointed to what appeared to be his forearm. Manager Warren Schaeffer reported after the game that it was some forearm tightness.
He had a rough outing in the game, recording just one out and giving up four runs on two hits in the seventh.
Mr. Rogers Neighborhood
The Rockies’ offense wasn’t so lucky. Facing Trevor Rogers, they were blanked over seven innings while striking out five times. They mustered just one hit off of him, a single by Thairo Estrada in the second inning. Rogers then retired the next 14 batters until issuing a walk to Ezequiel Tovar to lead off the seventh after a 13-pitch at-bat.
It was the first start in his career that Rogers threw seven or more innings while allowing one or fewer hits.
Farmer on the mound
In the eighth inning, with the game well out of hand, the Rockies turned to Kyle Farmer to make an appearance on the mound. Alex Jackson greeted him with a towering home run to center field to make it an 18-0 ball game. However, using a fastball that would make Jamie Moyer jealous with envy, Farmer gave up two other singles but did get a double play ball and fly ball to escape the inning.
The O’s ended the night with 18 runs on 18 hits with six walks and four strikeouts.
Rockies debuts
Two players made their Rockies debuts in the game. Warming Bernabel, making his major league debut, started the game at first base. He would record his first career hit, and the Rockies’ second hit of the game, with an infield single in the top of the ninth.
A more difficult debut was that of veteran Nick Anderson. Replacing Agnos in the seventh, Anderson coughed up five more runs on six hits before finally escaping the inning.
Up Next
The Rockies will attempt to clinch the series win on Sunday. Austin Gomber (0-4, 6.03 ERA) takes the ball for the Rockies and will face off against Tomoyuki Sugano (7-5, 4.54 ERA) for the Orioles. First pitch is scheduled for 11:35 a.m. MDT.
★ ★ ★
Please keep in mind our Purple Row Community Guidelines when you’re commenting. Thanks!