Jeff Francis was the team’s ace throughout the 2007 season and this carried over into the playoffs as he pitched the Rockies to a 1-0 lead in the first game of the NLDS. He gave up four hits in six innings but two of those went over the fence as Aaron Rowand and Pat Burrell hit back to back jacks in the fifth innings. That was all the Phillies could manage though and you also have to give some kudos to the pen. Latroy Hawkins, Brian Fuentes and Manny Corpas all pitched a shutout inning a piece to carry the Rockies to the win.
The Rockies big inning was the second and that was the undoing of Phillies ace Cole Hamels. Todd Helton led off with a triple and he scored on Garrett Atkins double. Brad Hawpe struck out and then Ryan Spilborghs drew a walk. Yorvit Torrealba then singled home Atkins before Jeff Francis bunted over both base runners. Then Troy Tulowitski singled home Spilborghs to make it a 3-0 lead.
The Phillies cut it to 3-2 but Matt Holliday gave the Rockies a big insurance run in the eighth inning with a solo homer. Torrealba was the only Rockies hitter with two hits while Spilborghs drew two walks.
Rookie Franklin Morales will make just his ninth big league start as he gets the nod in game two. The Phillies have a rookie going as well with 10-4 Kyle Kendrick throwing tomorrow. Same time, same place.
