Opening Day Wonders
Posted by lodomagic on April 6, 2006
Well, in 1995, we get Dante Bichette's dramatic 14th inning homerun to win the game. Just last year, we get a walk off homerun from SS Clint Barmes. This year…. well its a ground ball to D-Backs Rookie First Baseman, Coner Jackson, which brings home Matt Holliday for an 11th inning win. Though not as dramatic as a walk off homerun, game 1 of the 2006 season proved to be a great game.
Due to the fact that I had school (and would've had a test in my last class but it was cancelled) I couldn't get tickets to opening day, and had to look at ESPN Gameday during my breaks to find out what was going on. However looking at the box scores, here are the Hero's and Goats of Opening Day.
Heros
Jason Jennings – Jennings, who has been known to struggle in April, had a great start to the 2006 season, pitching 7 strong innings, allowing 6 runs, and 6 Strikeouts to 1 Walk. Jennings has figured out April, and can revert back to his ROY campain, then Rockies fans can look foward to a great season.
The Bullpen – Last years pen after spring training, was a train wreck. This years was effective and held the Snakes to 1 run – unearned. I'm don't expect great things from the soon to be 40 year old Mesa, but its nice to have some Vets to stablize the back of the pen.
Hawpe – He's the only one who seemed to be effective against Webb, knocking in 2 hits and the game winning RBI ground ball
Holliday – 2-5 with the game winning run, thats a good day by me.
Goats
The top of the order – Sullivan and Barmes went 2/10 with 3 strike outs. This tells me that they don't have what it takes to set the table for Helton and Co. If the Rockies are to do anything this year, they need to get at least a .350 OBP from there 1 and 2 hitters.
Tonight we Have Aaron Cook pitching against Orlando Hernandez, even though we are down by 2 in the first, I'm picking the Rockies in this one.
