Rockies chasing after first playoff appearance since ’09

DENVER — There’s nothing like a near no-hitter to lift the spirits of a slumping team heading into the All-Star break. Denver native and rookie Kyle Freeland came within two outs Sunday of becoming the first Colorado Rockies pitcher to throw a no-hitter at Coors Field. His gem before the four-day break certainly made that scheduled Wyoming fly fishing trip all the more enjoyable for manager Bud Black. Now, Black and the Rockies are setting their sights on reeling in an even bigger prized catch: the team’s first playoff spot since 2009. Despite a recent 5-13 plunge, the Rockies are in prime position, with their best-ever record (52-39) at this point in the season. They have some work to do to capture their first NL West title, trailing the Los Angeles Dodgers by 9 ½ games. But the Rockies have a 7 ½-game advantage for the last wild-card spot. Colorado has anywhere between a 62 percent and 83 percent probability of making the postseason, according to some prediction sites. “I wish I had a crystal ball. But that would be no fun, though, right?” said Black, who took over for Walt Weiss this season. “We all come today to see what’s going to happen. That’s the beauty of it.” A few highlights from a memorable first half:

■ Freeland’s masterpiece Sunday in which he allowed only a single to Melky Cabrera with one out in the ninth.

■ Nolan Arenado completing his cycle on June 18 with a three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth.

■ Closer Greg Holland saving a major leagueleading 28 games in his return from Tommy John surgery.

■ Arenado , Holland, second baseman D J LeMahieu and outfielder Charlie Blackmon making the All-Star team.

■ Pitcher Jon Gray hitting one of the longest homers in the majors this season, according to MLB’s Statcast, with his 467-foot blast on July 5. “To be where we’re at going into the second half, it’s a good feeling,” Arenado said. “We’re where we want to be.” That’s even with a prolonged slump. The Rockies were 21 games above .500 and in first place until hitting a skid that saw them drop eight straight in late June. At least Freeland’s performance sent them into the break on a high note. “We needed a game like that,” Arenado said.