Rockies fall for 14th time in last 15 games in San Diego

Rockies Report, Game 109:

ROCKIES BOTTOM LINE: A road trip that started with promise last Friday thanks to Tomoyuki Sugano’s solid start in earning his 10th win of the season fizzled to its end Wednesday as San Diego’s bullpen squelched Colorado’s batters, dealing the Rockies a 3-1 loss to conclude a quick two-game series at Petco Park.

The Padres used six different pitchers on a bullpen day, and collectively they limited the Rockies to six hits and a walk. Colorado didn’t finally get on the board until the seventh inning, when Brett Sullivan’s two-out single scored Willi Castro from second base.

Sullivan had two hits, but the top three spots in the order — Jake McCarthy, Cole Carrigg and Hunter Goodman — went 0-for-9 with a pair of walks. Carrigg also reached base when he was hit by a Griffin Canning pitch.

The Padres won their fifth-straight game and continued their mastery of the Rox at Petco Park, winning 14 of the last 15 games between the clubs by the Gaslamp Quarter since 2024.

Colorado dropped to 42-67 and is now back on a 100-loss pace, having lost eight of 11 games since the All-Star break and 12 of its last 16 overall. Colorado is also 9-14 in July.

ROCKIES STARTER’S REPORT

A troublesome fourth inning and a lack of run support ensured that Gabriel Hughes dropped to 0-3, but signs of progress remained evident for the rookie — particularly in the fifth inning, when he allowed two baserunners to open the inning, keeping the Padres’ three-run fourth from bubbling over.

“That’s a huge learning experience for a young pitcher,” “To be able to give up a three-spot like that — limit it to three after bases loaded, nobody out — and then bounce right back out there and put up a zero like he did. Got us into the sixth inning, I think that’s huge for him.”

Hughes has gone at least five innings in all four of his major-league starts. With multiple Rockies starters reportedly available via trade, Hughes appears likely to stick in the rotation for the foreseeable future.

BITS AND PIECES

IT WAS DECIDED FOR THE ROCKIES WHEN: They went down 1-2-3 in the ninth against Padres closer Mason Miller, who earned his 28th save.

NUMBER TO NOTE: 3.33 — Hughes’ ERA in five appearances, including four starts.

WHAT’S NEXT: An off-day before the Kansas City Royals head west down I-70 for a three-game inter-league series, which will start a six-game homestand against AL opposition. Sugano will start Friday night’s opener; the first pitch is set for 6:40 p.m. MDT.

Related

Rockies’ four errors, bullpen woes lead to 8-7 loss in San DiegoReport: Trade value of Rockies’ Goodman could be affected by his defenseRockies open by striking out seven-straight times en route to 11-2 defeatReport: Rockies letting other teams know that several players are available at deadlineRockies’ late rally falls short in 8-5 loss to BrewersSugano earns 10th win as Rockies start road trip by beating NL Central leaders