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Rockies 12, Red Sox 2
June 13 at Fenway Park
Hawpe's three-run homer in the fifth inning broke what was a close game into a 12-2 rout for the Rockies over the Red Sox in Game 2 of the three-game series.
In his first start since throwing a one-hitter against Oakland, Curt Schilling gave up six runs in five innings, including the homer to Hawpe, with the Red Sox trailing, 3-2, at the time.
"It was one of those nights; it started out weird, I got it under control and then just kind of let it get away," said Schilling. "All six runs were with two outs. Just didn't make that last pitch of the inning when we had to."
The Rockies added to their lead by scoring three runs apiece in the sixth and eighth innings. Matt Holliday had three hits and also scored three runs for the Rockies. Willy Taveras, Kazuo Matsui, Hawpe and Troy Tulowitzki each added two hits, and Helton drove in four.
Josh Fogg picked up his second victory of the season, holding Boston to two runs in five innings.
Rockies 7, Red Sox 1
June 14 at Fenway Park
The Rockies handed Josh Beckett (9-1) his first loss of the season, touching up the Red Sox ace for six runs on 10 hits over five innings.
Garrett Atkins had a breakout game, leading the Rockies' assault with a grand slam, single and double.
"He's a good hitter," Rockies manager Clint Hurdle said. "For two seasons, all we did was throw him praise. Then six weeks into this season, you've got some people throwing dirt on him."
Holliday also homered off Beckett, and ace Jeff Francis struck out six in five scoreless innings.
Back on July 22, coach Mike Coolbaugh of the Rockies' Double AA minor league team, the Tulsa Drillers, was killed by a line drive to the head. It was a totally freak accident, as he was hit on exactly the right spot that could cause death. Its never happened in baseball before. Mike Coolbaugh was coaching first base when the tragic accident happened. Coolbaugh, only 32 years old, left behind a widow and two young sons. A revered coach with a passion for the game and its players was so senselessly lost.
The Rockies, in a gesture of pure class, defying this era of selfish and greedy athletes, decided among themselves to award a full share of playoff money to Mike Coolbaugh's widow. The players thought up the idea, and Rockies management had no vote or input in this decision. In baseball, teams that make the playoffs and advance can amass a "pool" worth in the millions. A typical playoff share may be worth as much as $400,000 per recipient. The minor league players and coaches do not make the big money like the major leaguers do. This share to Coolbaugh's widow should be meaningful as she raises her family.
The vote by the Rockies players was 25-0 -- all players voted yes. With stories of multi-million dollar contracts in baseball and other sports, this story needs to be told. Just 15 years old, the Rockies are not one of baseball's storied franchises. The Yankees, Red Sox, Mets, Cardinals, Cubs and Dodgers have massive payrolls, yet this team has come out of nowhere to capture the attention of the sports world. They certainly have captured the attention of Amanda Coolbaugh, Mike's widow. She is very deserved of the Rockies' tremendous generosity.
I have really taken a liking to this Rockies team, but if they face
my beloved Cleveland Indians in the World Series ... ooh, a tough
decision! Who do I root for?!!!
