Rockies tie franchise record with 13th shutout of season in loss at Padres – The Denver Post

The Rockies had enjoyed a recent road power surge with at least seven runs in consecutive games.

But their bats went cold Thursday in a 3-0 loss at the Padres that wasted a positive start from southpaw Kyle Freeland. It marked the Rockies’ 13th shutout this season to tie a franchise record worst set in 1993.

It was a one-run game into the eighth before closer Daniel Bard gave up a two-run homer to infielder Jake Cronenworth. Colorado — despite a two-hit night from Charlie Blackmon — finished the game 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position. All while Freeland allowed just one run on eight hits over six innings pitched.

But Padres’ starter Joe Musgrove was even better. He fanned 11 Rockies through seven shutout innings.

Colorado threatened in the ninth facing San Diego closer Mark Melancon — a Golden High School graduate — when Trevor Story ripped a double. However, Ryan McMahon and Sam Hilliard were unable to take advantage.

Freeland threw a wild pitch in the sixth but recovered to tag out a hard-charging Manny Machado at the plate. Freeland received the flip from catcher Dom Nunez, dove toward Machado, and skid on his back to make the play.

Freeland has a 1.98 ERA over his last seven starts since June 22. That is his second-lowest over a seven-start span in his MLB career.

Musgrove retired a stretch of eight consecutive Rockies when Blackmon broke through in the fourth with a leadoff double. But Musgrove settled back in to keep Colorado scoreless.

The Rockies failed to capitalize on first-inning singles from Brendan Rodgers and Blackmon. Then Freeland gave up consecutive doubles, from Tommy Pham and Fernando Tatis Jr., to give San Diego a 1-0 lead.

The Rockies (44-59) will play three more games at the Padres to close out their current series. Colorado moves to 11-39 on the road this season.

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