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 Hellickson improved to 10-0 in his career games in which he goes at
least six innings and does not issue a walk, leading the
Diamondbacks to an 8-1 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Thursday
at Chase Field.
In seven innings, Hellickson got to only four three-ball counts
while giving up one run on three hits. He struck out six.
"It was definitely one of my best games, stat-line wise, but I've
been feeling good for a while now," Hellickson said. "I just have to
work to my strengths, and that's keeping the ball down and getting
ahead of guys and throwing strikes. The fastball command and the
life on my fastball makes all the difference with the curveball and
changeup."
Center fielder A.J. Pollock homered to lead off the sixth inning
against Rockies starter Scott Rusin, tying the score 1-1. The first
of Colorado third baseman Nolan Arenado's two errors fueled the
rally, and left fielder David Peralta hit a two-run triple to cap
the three-run inning.
Right fielder Yasmany Tomas and third baseman Aaron Hill broke the
game open with two-run doubles off reliever Scott Oberg in the
seventh inning as the Diamondbacks (38-41) won for the third time in
five games.
Hellickson (6-5) won for the fifth time in seven decisions. He has
made quality starts in seven of his past nine outings.
"He had a good changeup, and the fastball was sneaky," Colorado
manager Walt Weiss said. "He was front-and-backing us, with the
changeup and fastball combo. Breaking ball here or there.
Fastball-changeup combo was his go-to."
Pollock, Peralta and first baseman Paul Goldschmidt had two hits
apiece for the Diamondbacks.
Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki singled in the ninth inning to
extend his hitting streak to 15 games. He reached base via hit or
walk in his 30th consecutive game.
Rusin (3-3) gave up six hits and three runs (one earned) and struck
out six as the Rockies (34-45) lost their fifth in six games.
Rusin drove in Colorado's run with a two-out single in the fifth
inning after catcher Nick Hundley hit a one-out double.
"I was able to get quick outs up until that sixth inning," Rusin
said. "I left a pitch up to Pollock, and Peralta I left it up. I
didn't do anything to get him off the fastball inside, so he just
turned on it."
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Peralta's tiebreaking triple came after catcher Welington Castillo
walked and two-time Gold Glove winner Arenado misplayed Hill's
two-hopper.
"A little funny hop at the end, but I read it," Arenado said. "I
think I just got my feet in front of me. I didn't stay behind the
ball, and that's how I got myself in trouble. If I don't make that
error, I stop that inning. Rus pitched a great game. I wish I would
have picked him up like I should have."
Arendado committed another error in the ninth inning as another
unearned runs scored. It was only the second two-error game of his
career.
"Nolan, we've seen him make highlight plays all year, since he's
been up here, really," Weiss said. "He's not perfect. He's as good
as it gets. I'm not too worried about it."
NOTES: Colorado recalled OF Drew Stubbs from Triple-A Albuquerque,
where was hitting .263 with two homers and 20 RBIs in 38 games.
Stubbs, who flied out as a pinch hitter, accepted his option in late
May after hitting .118 with 31 strikeouts and 51 at-bats. INF/OF
Rafael Ynoa was optioned to Albuquerque. ... Arizona 1B Paul
Goldschmidt is on pace to become one of seven players in major
league history to enter the All-Star break hitting .350 with 60 RBIs
and 60 walks. He entered Thursday's game with 65 RBIs, 62 walks and
a .350 average. Miguel Cabrera, Carlos Delgado, Frank Thomas, Norm
Cash, Ted Williams did it once. Babe Ruth did it eight times. ... A
second opinion from Dr. James Andrews determined that Arizona RHP
Archie Bradley has no structural damage in his right shoulder.
Bradley is expected to rest for about 10 days before starting a
throwing program. He has been on the disabled list since June 4 with
shoulder tendinitis.
[© 2015 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
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