Denver—The Seattle Mariners spoiled a long awaited night in the Mile High City.
John Gray, the third overall pick of the Colorado Rockies in the 2013 MLB draft, made his Major League debut on Tuesday night. Gray showed signs of brilliant and electric stuff in his first start, but it could be seen that he was nervous and struggled through his first big league inning. Gray surrendered an RBI double to Robinson Cano followed by an RBI single by Jesus Montero. Nelson Cruz, who has been on a torrid pace as of late, was the first career strikeout victim of Gray in the top of the first.
Gary finished his first big league outing after four innings and received a no decision. He surrendered three runs, two of those earned runs, five hits, and four strikeouts.
Vidal Nuno, who made a spot start for the Mariners, also struggled through his first couple of innings on the bump. Nuno served up a hanging slider that Charlie Blackmon generously deposited into the Mariners bullpen to lead off the Rockies offensive evening. Nuno would be removed from the ballgame after Nick Hundley drove a two-run home run over the left center field wall to tie the ball game at 4-4.
Nuno exited after just three and two-thirds innings allowing three runs on five hits, two being home runs, and three strike outs.
The Rockies Achilles heel continued to be their bullpen pitching and it was on display yet again Tuesday night. After Gray left the game tied at 4-4, the Rockies relievers finished the game throwing five innings, allowing seven runs on nine hits and two strikeouts.
Nelson Cruz was one of the many Mariner hitters to feast on Rockies relief pitching. Cruz finished two for four with a home run, his fifth in as many days, and drove in a run. Robinson Cano also posted a two for four evening driving in three runs of his own. Franklin Gutierrez, who came on as a pinch hitter sixth inning, delivered what would be the game winning runs with a two RBI single.
DJ LeMahieu and Nick Hundley highlighted the Rockies lineup offensively. LeMahieu, after striking out five times in Monday night’s ball game, had two base hits in four trips to the plate. Hundley also went two for four with the big blow coming on the two RBI home run in the fourth inning to tie the game at 4. Kyle Parker notched his first career Major League home run in the sixth inning.
The Mariners will look for the series sweep against the Rockies. Taijuan Walker (8-7) will face the Rockies Chris Rusin (3-4) to start Tuesday’s matinee. First pitch is slated for Tuesday, August 5 at 3:10 PM EST. The game can be seen on ROOT Sports both in Colorado and Seattle.