MLB
Wow, what a game. The Colorado Rockies went to Wrigley and defeated the Cubs in 13 innings, 2-1. As the NL Wild Card winners, the Rockies will travel to Milwaukee for the start of the NLDS Thursday. While this NL Wild Card game was low scoring, it did not lack in intrigue. Let’s take a look at the heroes for the Rockies in this marathon.
Kyle Freeland
While everyone expected Lester to thrive in this win-or-go-home matchup (and he did, going 6 innings, striking out 9 and allowing just one run), few outside of Colorado thought Freeland would out-duel the veteran. The Colorado native has been a sensation in his second season, going 17-7 with a 2.85 ERA. There was concern he might struggle on short rest, but he instead pitched one of his best performances of the year – 6 2/3 innings, 6 K’s, 1 walk, and most importantly – no runs. Freeland was sensational, keeping the Rockies in a game where their offense was mostly stagnant. The bullpen blew his 1-0 lead in the 8th, so all he gets for it is a no-decision, but make no mistake – Freeland is the reason the Rockies had a chance to win this one late.
Tony Wolters
Whoever predicted this guy would get the game-winning hit, go to Vegas now. And bring me with you, please. Wolters is the Rockies’ third-string catcher, a guy many folks (including myself) believe could be viably cut from the team. He hit just .170 on the year, with less than a handful of home runs and barely double-digit RBI. If you want to understand how incredibly improbable this was, you can look at his .122 average as a pinch hitter, or the fact that he didn’t have a hit since September 10th. Yet, after 11 innings of offensive futility by the Rockies, it was Wolters who delivered the big hit. His two out, two strike RBI single to center brought home the Rockies second, and winning, run. October brings out the unlikeliest of heroes, but none more unlikely than this guy.
Rockies Bullpen
The butt of most jokes around the league and an outright laughingstock at times, the ‘pen delivered last night. They allowed just one run over 6 1/3 innings, with several relievers getting big outs. The lone blemish was setup man Adam Ottavino, who inexplicably threw a hittable slider on 0-2 to MVP candidate Javy Baez, who promptly blasted it into left field for a game-tying double. Wade Davis put out the fire with no further damage, however, and the bullpen did not allow a run the next five innings. The Rockies were mocked for investing $106 million into a bullpen that struggled mightily for most of the year. Their 2.98 September ERA ranked third in the majors, however, and it has carried over into October so far.
What’s Next?
For the Cubs, it’s a tragic exit. 96 hours ago, they had the best record in the National League – and now, they are headed home for the offseason. Truly a stunning fall for this club, and rumors are already starting to swirl about potential firings. I do not expect them to fire Maddon, but when expectations aren’t met, anything is possible.
For the Rockies, they are off to Milwaukee, their fourth different city in four days. A welcome off day today will allow them a bit of a reprieve before their series with the Brewers, who will be very rested. Milwaukee won the season series 5-2 vs the Rockies, which included a combined 3 walkoffs and multiple extra-inning games. Should be a dandy. Check back in for a series preview and a prediction for game 1, which starts Thursday afternoon.
Photo credit to Brule Laker via Flickr
