Bullpen Hands Victory to Rockies 9-6

In a game where the offense showed up for the second consecutive game, the Arizona Diamondbacks bullpen took the field in the sixth inning with the Dbacks perserving a three run lead.  It didn’t last long. The Colorado Rockies bats woke up and it was all downhill from there.

The usual suspects are to blame for another poor outing by a bullpen that is more fit for Class A ball than the majors.

It all started just fine, with the Dbacks getting to Rockies reliever Glendon Rusch and taking a three run lead after a two-run homer by Mark Reynolds in the fifth inning to give the Dbacks a three run lead 6-3.

Dbacks starter Yusmeiro Petit was serviceable on Tuesday night.  Not great, but kept his team in the game for five innings.  Unfortunately, as usual, he found himself in a a couple of jams, which lifted his pitch count and had to be removed after five innings.

First up was Bobby Korecky.  I know, you are probably asking who?  Well, Mr. Korecky came into the game in the sixth and could only manage two outs while giving up two earned runs.  He threw 18 pitches, only seven for strikes. His ERA: 10.12

"“Nobody like to hear it, because it’s dull, but the reason you win or lose is darn near always the same, pitching” – Earl Weaver"

Next up was our friend Doug Slaten.  The left-handed “specialist”, was anything but special on this evening.  Slaten failed to record an out.  He managed to double his ERA to 6.00 with five pitches.

"“To be hated cordially, is only a left-handed compliment” – Herman Melville"

Well said Mr. Melville, well said.

Next in line, Juan Gutierrez.  He has been hot and cold, mainly cold, however had been solid the last couple of times out.  Tuesday night, he managed to record four outs, all the while giving up a run on two hits.

"“One can not live without inconsistency” – Carl Gustav Jung"

The human wonder, Jon Rauch, came in after Gutierrez and pitched just like himself, giving up two runs on two hits, including a center-field blast by Todd Helton.  Colorado’s outs were also hard hit against Rauch.  Let’s face it folks, he isn’t fooling anyone but himself and obviously the Diamondbacks.

"“What’s unfortunate about buying a pitcher….is that he carries no warranty.” – Bob Verdi"

The Dbacks should have gotten the extended extended warranty on this guy.  You know, the one where you are protected up to an ERA of 15.00 or 3 years, whichever comes first?  Too bad the ERA is closing in, currently at 12.00.

Scott Schoeneweis did actually have a decent ninth inning, giving up one hit, no runs, striking out one.

It is a quick turnaround today with a 12:40pm game.  The Dbacks still have the opportunity to win their first series of the year.  Dan Haren is on the mound.  What do you think the over/under is on run support, negative 1?