MLB: Rockies in NL wildcard driver's seat

August 21, 8:26 PMMLB ExaminerTony DeMarco

Previous Next

1 comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the MLB Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

The Colorado Rockies entered Friday's key series against the San Francisco Giants on a four-game winning streak, and with a two-game lead in the NL wild card race.

Longer-term, the numbers are even more-impressive: Since Jim Tracy replaced Clint Hurdle, they are 50-25, including a 48-21 mark in the last 69 of those games.

That's two-plus months of playing the best baseball in the National League, in case you were wondering. So it's no wonder Tracy has set his team's sights on more than just the wildcard spot. He's thinking division title, and so is his team.

"The way we've been playing, I'd put us up against anybody in either league,'' infielder Clint Barmes said before Friday's game. "With the way our pitching and defense have been -- and we manufacture enough runs. As long as that continues, there's no reason we can't compete against anybody.''

The schedule also appears to be quite favorable for what could be the Rockies' second post-season appearance in three seasons. Including Friday, they will play 26 of their remaining 41 games at Coors Field (where they are 32-23 this season) -- including 17 of their next 20. The only remaining road games are against NL West teams.

The critical stretch began Friday -- four at home against San Francisco, followed by three at home against Los Angeles, then a three-game series next weekend in San Francisco.

"I think everybody realizes what's at stake,'' Giants manager Bruce Bochy said.

One potential problem arose for the Rockies in the form of Aaron Cook's continuing injury woes. Already battling a big-toe injury, he left Friday's start in the fourth inning after only 47 pitches due to a shoulder injury. He was largely ineffective, allowing four runs, three hits and two walks.