Rockies' Lambert fans nine, beats Cubs in debut

[June 07, 2019]  Peter Lambert struck out nine in seven innings and hit a single in his major league debut, and the Colorado Rockies beat the host Chicago Cubs 3-1 on Thursday.

Ian Desmond doubled twice for Colorado, which salvaged the finale of a three-game series at Wrigley Field. Scott Oberg pitched the ninth for his third save.

Javier Baez had two hits and an RBI for the Cubs, who couldn't give starter Jose Quintana enough run support against Colorado's rookie right-hander.

Lambert (1-0) had his contract selected from Triple-A Albuquerque on Thursday and became the third-youngest pitcher to debut for the Rockies. The 22-year-old had an impressive first start, allowing one run on four hits and one walk.

His first jam came when the Cubs loaded the bases in the second inning, but he struck out Quintana to end the threat.

The Rockies took a 2-0 lead in the fourth inning. Story led off with a double and one out later scored on David Dahl's single. After Brendan Rodgers flied out, Desmond drove in Dahl with a double to center.

The score stayed that way until the sixth. Chicago's Kris Bryant led off with a double and scored on a single by Baez to cut the deficit in half.

Colorado got the run back in the seventh inning. Desmond doubled and Mark Reynolds followed with a double, but Desmond only moved to third. Chris Iannetta then hit a sacrifice fly to make it 3-1.

Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Peter Lambert (23) pitches during the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports

Lambert struck out the side in the bottom of the seventh to finish his day. His nine strikeouts were a franchise record for a player making his major league debut.

Jairo Diaz replaced Lambert in the eighth and allowed a single and a walk with one out before retiring the next two batters to preserve the lead.

Quintana (4-5) allowed three runs on six hits and no walks with four strikeouts in 7 1/3 innings.

Colorado's Nolan Arenado went 0-for-4, ending his 15-game hitting streak.

--Field Level Media

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