Reynolds and Rockies stretch win streak to seven
CHICAGO » The Colorado Rockies arrived at Wrigley Field this week with a chance to solidify their standing as a National League contender, and they haven’t missed a beat.
Of course, these Chicago Cubs look a long way from their World Series-winning form.
Mark Reynolds and Charlie Blackmon homered, rookie Jeff Hoffman pitched neatly into the seventh inning and the Rockies won their seventh straight game, beating the Cubs 9-1 Saturday. Colorado can complete a four-game sweep of the reigning champs Sunday behind breakout rookie right-hander Antonio Senzatela.
“These guys are growing before our eyes, and it’s great stuff and good to see,” manager Bud Black said.
The Rockies have their longest winning streak since 2011, when they started a run of six straight losing seasons. The Cubs lost their fourth in a row, dropping them to 30-31.
Reynolds had his fourth career four-hit game, including his 17th homer, and Nolan Arenado had a three-run double during a five-run ninth inning.
One of four rookies in the Rockies’ rotation, the 24-year-old Hoffman (40) allowed one run and struck out eight in 6.1 innings.
“It was awesome,” Hoffman said of his first start at Wrigley Field. “Facing a great lineup and to be able to go out there and do what I did and execute — and the team to play the way it did — was special.” TWINS 3, GIANTS 2 » Brian Dozier and Kennys Vargas hit home runs, leading Jose Berrios and Minnesota over San Francisco.
Berrios (5-1) struck out eight over 5.1 innings to win his second straight start, both on this road trip. RANGERS 6, NATIONALS 3 » Robinson Chirinos nearly put Texas ahead during a ninth-inning rally that tied it, then hit a three-run homer in the 11th that sent the Rangers over Washington.
Texas scored twice in the ninth to make it 3-all. Chirinos’ bid for a tiebreaking sacrifice fly was thwarted by Washington right fielder Bryce Harper, who made a strong throw to nail a runner at the plate. ROYALS 12, PADRES 6 » Lorenzo Cain hit two homers, including a grand slam that capped a nine-run rally in the eighth inning that sent Kansas City over San Diego. RAYS 6, ATHLETICS 5 » Evan Longoria hit an RBI single in the 10th inning and Tampa Bay beat Oakland in the opener of the majors’ first regularly scheduled doubleheader since 2011. ASTROS 3, ANGELS 1 » Mike Fiers had another solid start and Brian McCann homered to lead Houston to a win over Los Angeles. Fiers (4-2) allowed a season-low two hits and one run, which was unearned, in a season-high 7.1 innings. METS 6, BRAVES 1 » Yoenis Cespedes made a smashing return from a sixweek stint on the disabled list, hitting a grand slam as New York beat Atlanta in the first game of a doubleheader. PIRATES 7, MARLINS 6 » Jordy Mercer hit a tying two-run triple in the eighth and John Jaso followed with a go-ahead double, lifting Pittsburgh over Miami.