Rocky Pitching Costs Cubs as Rockies Even Series

Win: Juan Nicasio (6-4) Loss: Carlos Villanueva (2-6)

Home Runs: CHC: Luis Valbuena (9) COL: Carlos Gonzalez (26)

Three Stars-Cubs

Third Star-Michael Bowden: Rarely will you see a relief pitcher be a part of my three stars, but Bowden was excellent when the Cubs needed him to be today. He allowed two inherited runners, but came in during a tough situation and his final line shows two scoreless innings. Bowden limited the damage and did exactly what the Cubs needed him to do.

Second Star- Darwin Barney: Barney collected two hits in four at bats, including a double, to continue his hot month of July. He raised his average to a lukewarm .226.

First Star- Luis Valbuena: The Cubs lead-off hitter went deep in the third and also singled and walked, collecting 2 RBI in the proces . Valbuena continues to work deep counts and is not expected to move from the lead-off spot until David DeJesus returns.

Game Notes:

 Hector Rondon was also excellent out of the bullpen, retiring the side in order and striking out two of the three guys he faced. On the flipside, Blake Parker surrendered two runs in the one inning he was on the hill.

Starter Carlos Villanueva had a rough outing, letting up seven runs in just four innings.

Alfonso Soriano had the other Cubs extra base hit, a double, which led to a Nate Schierholtz RBI.

The Cubs had some issues in the field, with Starlin Castro and rookie Junior Lake committing errors.

Three Stars-Rockies

Third Star- Dexter Fowler: The Rockies leadoff hitter went 2-3 with his third triple of the season and drove in three runs. He was a big key to the Rockies win.

Second Star- Carlos Gonzalez: CarGo had only one hit, but it was an important one, a solo home run off of Villanueva. He also just missed a long ball in the first, flying out to the warning track.

First Star- Todd Helton: The veteran first baseman had three hits, two singles and double, hitting sixth in the order. It was only Helton’s eighth double, but he has hit .265 this season.

Game Notes:

Nolan Arenado was the only Rockie that did not have a hit.

Juan Nicasio was very good on the hill for the Rockies, allowing just three hits in five innings.

Wilton Lopez, Josh Outman and Mitchell Boggs combined to throw three scoreless innings, while Adam Ottavino allowed two runs over an inning pitched.

Additional Notes:

David DeJesus started his rehab assignment with the Boise Hawks tonight.

There is some speculation that Carlos Villanueva could lose his spot in the rotation.

The rubber game is tomorrow at 3:10. Edwin Jackson will oppose Tyler Chatwood.

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