What a run by the Rockies! Colorado cashed our Big Drive winner last night in MLB action as a road underdog and have now won 17 of their last 18 games. Following our 20* Big Bertha bomber and fade of Brandt Snedeker to produce some PGA profits at the U.S. Open, we fired right back in the batters box with a Louisville Slugger Big Drive as the Rockies hammered the LA Angels 11-1. Los Angeles was flat and faded following their intense series with the LA Dodgers. The Rockies have cashed 10 underdog tickets including eight-straight to start their hot streak and we’ve joined the fun run a number of times. No reason not to take another swing with the red-hot Rockies tonight.

The Angels problems may well persist as LA tries to overcome Ervin Santana’s forearm inflammation and additional time on the shelf and turn to 21-year old rookie right hander Sean O’Sullivan. Sure, O’Sullivan was stellar at AT&T Park in his MLB debut seven days ago at San Francisco. That was against the light hitting Giants with their league low home runs and sub .690 OPS. Now he’ll face a real challenge against a Colorado lineup that can dial long distance with the National Leagues (NL) second highest HR total and a team that can’t wait to get to the ballpark while seeing beach balls at the plate. O’Sullivan had an ERA of 6.02 at Triple-A Salt Lake City, and in 10 starts he allowed 61 hits in 49 frames. So here we have a rookie sub-par pitcher with the majors worst bullpen behind him facing the hottest team on earth. Colorado’s confidence is soaring, along with their spot in the standings as they are now just ½ game out of the wild card spot in the National League (37-33).

The Rockies have been road warriors too with the second best road record in the NL following their club-record 9th straight road win last night. Jim Tracy’s troupes have been terrific since he took over, now 19-5 while getting productive pitching both starting and relief. The Rockies are stealing bases, moving runners over and getting timely hitting with runners in scoring position (RISP). In fact, left-handed hitters Helton and Hawpe are two of the most productive hitters while anchoring the middle of the Rockies lineup. Brad Hawpe belted his 11th HR last night on his 30th birthday and leads the NL in doubles (24) while sporting one of the top averages in the NL (.335). He’s top five in RBI and Slugging percentage (SLG) and 3rd in OPS among NL outfielders. However, Hawpe has really delivered in the clutch with a league best .406 average with runners in scoring position (RISP). Todd Helton is simply having his most productive season since 2003 while batting .320 and knocking in 49 runs with 27 RBI’s his last 29 games.

Colorado’s bullpen has been a problem area (4.80 ERA) and the recent loss of setup man Manny Corpas (bone chip - elbow) will cause some concern along the way. The Rockies have been without top reliever Taylor Buckholtz all season and he had Tommy John surgery on his right elbow last week.   Colorado just recalled longtime Twins reliever Juan Rincon and he made his Rockies debut last night.  But Joel Peralta will slide into the setup role in front of Huston Street and he has simply made nine-straight scoreless appearances following his Rockies debut. He has struck out 12 batters in 12 innings with just two earned runs allowed and a sub .200 batting average against. He has filthy stuff, and not sure why Kansas City cut him the final day of spring training, but he’s a solid survivor and success story for the former shortstop turned pitcher. He’s following the lead of Colorado’s Aaron Cook, another survival story with a solid sinker who improved to 7-3 this season with seven strong last night while allowing just three hits in the Rockies rout. Manager Jim Tracy calls Cook a ‘warrior’ and "when you talk about the best starting pitchers in the game, Cook needs to be in the conversation."

Consider also that when the Angels turn to their relievers tonight, you’ll be watching the majors worst bullpen in action. Manager Mike Scioscia gets no relief from his relievers as the Angels have the majors worst bullpen ERA (5.76) and batting average against (.290). The pen has blown 11 save opportunities, but they likely won’t get a chance tonight as I expect Colorado to be in command again with their ‘ace’ on the hill. Ubaldo Jimenez throws filthy stuff and is 3-0 his last three outings with a 2.66 ERA. His season log shows a 3.73 ERA and he’s pitched into the 7th inning in each of his last 10 starts. Colorado starters have gone 13-1 with a 3.16 ERA the last 15 games. Now that’s a relief.

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