Friedrich and Rutledge fuel Rockies in victory over
Phillies

post from Purple Row on 14 July 2012 01:01:48 AM. © Purple Row

DENVER, CO - JULY 13: Josh Rutledge #14 of the Colorado Rockies hits an RBI single in the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Coors Field on July 13, 2012 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

Christian Friedrich befuddled the Phillies in his best home start to date, while Josh Rutledge made an impressive debut on offense in the Rockies six to two victory Friday night. Friedrich stuck out seven, walked one and gave up five hits and a run in six innings of work, while still only throwing 82 pitches. Rutledge went two for two with a double, two RBI, a stolen base and a walk. Carlos Gonzalez finished with three hits and Michael Cuddyer and Jordan Pacheco each had two hits.

For Friedrich, the start was his longest at Coors Field and also was a high for him in K's at Denver. Combined with a similarly impressive start in his last outing at Coors against San Diego, it would appear that maybe Friedrich is getting over the growing pains most Rockies pitchers go through as they adjust to pitching at altitude, as he's now allowed just two runs in his last eleven innings at home, striking out twelve and walking just two.

Rutledge, meanwhile, showed that both his bat and his legs are quick, and seems well suited for Colorado.

34 - 52

Games Back: 12.5

Streak: Won 1

Games Left: 76