The Colorado Rockies lost again, but it was another low-scoring affair. The pitching staff held the Chicago Cubs to two runs, and Orlando Arcia made his mark in his Rockies debut. Unfortunately, the offense was (once again) completely absent.

Tanner Gordon pitched well

After a stone-cold start against the mighty New York Yankees on Friday, Gordon held the red-hot Cubs to just two runs. Unfortunately the Rockies’ offense only scored one and he was saddled with the loss, but that’s still an accomplishment.

Gordon allowed the leadoff man to reach in every inning he pitched (4 2⁄3) but the scoring was done in early. To start the game, Ian Happ singled but then was forced out at second when Kyle Tucker grounded out. Seiya Suzuki then doubled to score Tucker, and Pete Crow-Armstrong advanced him to third. Luckily Carson Kelly grounded out to end the inning, but the Rockies were down 1-0.

In the second inning, Michael Busch singled and then was forced out by Dansby Swanson and then Nico Hoerner grounded into a double play. In the third, Matt Shaw singled, but then the next three batters — Happ, Tucker and Suzuki — were retired.

The big damage came from a PCA solo homer to start the fourth to put the Cubs up 2-0. Again, the next three batters were retired, but the damage was done and the Rox never recovered (though they did score one run in the sixth after an error/sac fly).

Arcia settled in nicely

The signing of Orlando Arcia was only made official earlier today, and the 30-year-old took no time getting acquainted with his new team. He was slotted in as a DH in the seven spot in the lineup, and went 2-for-3 with two of the Rockies’ six hits. He was the only Rockies’ hitter to record multiple hits, and was one of two that did not strike out (Ryan McMahon was the other, batting sixth).

Bullpen got it done

Despite the score, the Rockies’ bullpen was absolute nails. Ryan Rolison came in for Gordon in the fifth inning, pitching 1 2⁄3 scoreless innings with a walk and two strikeouts. Jimmy Herget finished the seventh, pitching 2⁄3 of an inning with a walk, and Victor Vodnik shut the door with a scoreless eighth (also with a walk). In total, the bullpen threw 3 1⁄3 scoreless and hitless innings.

Considering how high-scoring this Cubs lineup can be, the Rockies’ pitching staff held them to just nine runs in three games (but also scored just five to counter).

Up Next

The Rox have an off-day tomorrow before they start a three-game set in New York against the Mets. Kyle Freeland (0-7, 5.86 ERA) will take on David Peterson (3-2, 2.79 ERA). First pitch is set for 5:10pm MT.