Friday Faceoff: What’s the biggest reason for the Colorado Rockies’ winning streak?

Luke Zahlmann, Rockies reporter

Answer: Starting pitching

Colorado’s rotation is seeing its patience pay off. And the Rockies’ win streak is because of the starters’ success. 

Over the seven-game streak, they have a 1.86 earned run average as a team. It’s the best mark in baseball by almost half a run. Their starters have thrown 41 1/3 innings and carried their own 1.96 mark. 

Austin Gomber has led the way with a 0.71 ERA in two starts. Cal Qauntrill hasn’t been far behind at 1.50. 

Their efforts have allowed the offense to wake up through games. Early deficits were the norm for the first stretch of the year but the Rockies staff has shored up their efficiency and gotten deeper into games with low scores. Many of the team’s recent rallies have come late in games after the pitching held strong. 

Ty Blach stepped in for Peter Lambert and used the team’s defense to his advantage. Their exploits in the field have shown up more as pitcher’s strike counts have risen. 

The offense has gotten on base but still isn’t hitting with the power it’s capable of. Colorado has averaged a home run per game during the seven-game win streak. Before it, they were near the same rate but slightly lower. 

Jordan Beck is going through growing pains but drove in five runs in Wednesday’s win. Brendan Rodgers is waking up and Nolan Jones is due back soon. The offense will be leaned on at some point this year, and its steady progression gives hope that it can carry the load when the pitching staff’s walks come back to haunt. 

The free passes haven’t hurt yet. And the rotation is pitching as good as any in baseball without the help of Kyle Freeland, who is on the injured list. 

It won’t get the credit due to season-long numbers being inflated by a tough start.

Chris Schmaedeke, digital sports editor

Answer: Offensive production

When the Rockies hit, success seems to follow. 

While I see Luke’s point about the starting pitching, Colorado is averaging over 6 runs a game during its seven-game winning streak. It has been a welcome sign for a team that has struggled at the plate for most of the season.

It starts with veteran Charlie Blackmon. He has been in the leadoff spot for the streak and has at least one hit in six of the seven games, including three in the first game. When Blackmon hits, the Rockies follow their leader.

Ryan McMahon also has a hit in six of the seven games during this impressive streak. He has been the team’s best hitter all season and continues that form. 

Rookie Jordan Beck got in the mix against the Padres on Wednesday as he drove in five runs in the 8-0 win.

The Rockies are striking out a lot, but it has been down a little bit during this run. Putting the ball in ball can lead to success for Colorado. The Rockies are also down two of their best hitters in Kris Bryant and Nolan Jones.

This has also come against some pretty tough competition. Colorado swept the defending champion Texas Rangers at Coors Field and then took all three games in San Diego. Now a trip to San Francisco looms which is always a house of horrors for Colorado.

But for now, enjoy the Rockies scoring runs and getting in the win column. No one really knows how long it will last.