The Diamondbacks did what they needed to do Tuesday at Coors Field, taking care of the Rockies 7-2 behind seven steady innings from Michael Soroka and a loud return to Denver for Nolan Arenado. It was a needed win, though Arizona’s October hopes still require help elsewhere.
Key takeaways
- Arizona beat Colorado 7-2 at Coors Field with five games remaining on its schedule.
- The Diamondbacks remain four games behind the Phillies for the National League’s last Wild Card berth after Philadelphia won as well.
- Michael Soroka worked seven innings, giving up two hits and one earned run.
- Nolan Arenado went 3-for-5 against his former Colorado club and missed the cycle by only a triple.
- Arizona scored three first-inning runs off Rockies starter Kyle Freeland and kept adding on.
Arizona handles its part of the race
Back-to-back home-series losses to the Rangers and Marlins left the Diamondbacks without control of their own postseason path. Even a perfect finish will not be enough unless the clubs in front of them stumble.
That has not changed the message from manager Torey Lovullo. The assignment is to win the game in front of them, then see what the scoreboard provides.
Arizona answered that call in Denver. The early three-run push against Freeland gave the visitors room to work, and the offense did not let up as the night moved along. The final margin was comfortable, but the standings remain tight in the wrong direction: Philadelphia’s victory kept the Diamondbacks four games back in the chase for the final NL Wild Card position.
Soroka settles in, Arenado enjoys the homecoming
Soroka gave Arizona exactly the kind of start required this late in the season. The right-hander allowed only two hits across seven innings and was charged with one earned run, continuing what has been an excellent season for him.
His outing kept Colorado from finding a route back after Arizona’s fast start. With Soroka controlling the game and the lineup continuing to tack on runs, the Diamondbacks were able to leave Coors Field with a clean, necessary result.
Arenado supplied one of the night’s best individual lines in the ballpark where he spent his Colorado years. The former Rockies third baseman finished 3-for-5, collecting everything needed for the cycle except a triple.
The Diamondbacks have five games left, and the arithmetic is plain. They must keep winning. But after Tuesday’s work in Denver, they will also need Philadelphia and the other teams ahead of them to give them an opening.
