Hilliard turning heads, plus 4 other takeaways from finale loss

DENVER -- The Rockies' 9-4 loss to the Diamondbacks on Wednesday afternoon didn’t erase the forward steps they made during the six-game homestand against contending clubs.

The Rockies dimmed the Cubs’ playoff hopes and made the Diamondbacks’ status in the Wild Card race a little less sure. Some of the younger players that the Rockies believe will make them a contender were largely responsible for the 4-2 record.

Here are five takeaways from the homestand as a whole, as well as the defeat in the finale.

1) Austin Gomber has been better

Gomber lasted a season-low two innings and gave up six runs (five earned) on six hits, including two home runs from Corbin Carroll and another from former teammate Randal Grichuk. Gomber entered the finale with six straight starts of six or more innings -- and a 3.00 ERA over that period.

“It’s just part of it,” Gomber said. “I’ve had a couple of these this year. You feel like you’re throwing the ball well for an extended period of time, then you have a really bad clunker. But I’ve gotten by it before and I’ll get by it again.”

2) This young bullpen is for real

After Gomber departed, rookies combined for six scoreless frames. Righty Jeff Criswell struck out three over a career-high three innings to extend his scoreless streak to seven innings. Right-hander Victor Vodnik, who began the second half as closer until he missed time in late August and early September with right biceps tendinitis, overcame two walks at the start of his inning. Anthony Molina struck out two over two spotless frames.

Veteran Tyler Kinley struggled, giving up three runs (two earned) in the top of the ninth. But in the last 13 games, the Rockies are 8-5 and the bullpen has posted a 3.16 ERA over 51 1/3 innings, with 56 strikeouts against 22 walks.

3) Molina is making progress in his on-the-job training

Molina finished the seventh by enticing the Diamondbacks’ Gabriel Moreno to swing at a breaking pitch that ended up over the opposite batter’s box.

“The catcher was outside, so that’s where I was able to execute it,” Molina said via interpreter Edwin Perez. “In a general sense, I feel that the curveball is right where it needs to be.”

Liking Molina’s fastball and changeup, the Rockies selected him from the Rays in December’s Rule 5 Draft. The goal this year is for Molina to develop a breaking pitch against Major League competition, then go to 2025 Spring Training to compete for a starting rotation spot.

The Rockies have enough established starters that they’ll have the opportunity to give Molina, 22, starting assignments at Triple-A Albuquerque to complete his development. But Molina said he will get a head start by pitching for Bravos de Margarita in the Venezuelan Winter League.

“I learned a lot this season,” Molina said. “I’ll be going to Venezuela, and in my time there I’m going to actually play as a starter. Hopefully in that time, I’m able to gain the trust of the Rockies to earn a starter spot on this team.”

4) Keeping an eye on center fielder Brenton Doyle's knee

Doyle has been dynamic this year, with defense reminiscent of the Gold Glove he earned as a rookie last year -- and 22 home runs and 29 steals. But playing center field can be grueling, and Doyle has been dealing with tendinitis in his left knee for much of the second half. At times, the Rockies have given him days off for resting and healing.

On Wednesday, Doyle made a sliding catch on Christian Walker’s sacrifice fly in the top of the ninth. Had his spot come up in the bottom of the ninth, manager Bud Black would have sent Ryan McMahon in as a pinch-hitter.

“It doesn’t feel great,” Doyle said when asked about the knee.

5) Sam Hilliard is building his resume

Hilliard had two hits, scored a run, and erased Pavin Smith at the plate with a pinpoint throw. He also delivered a pinch-hit homer on Saturday to force extra innings in the Rockies’ 6-5, 10-inning victory.

Hilliard played for the Rockies from 2019-22, was traded to the Braves -- with whom he went through a year of injury and scant playing time -- and was in Spring Training with the Orioles before Colorado claimed him. Now, the Rockies are using him at all three outfield positions. His potential for above-average defense in center could help if the club makes resting Doyle part of the plan in ‘25.

“Since he’s come back, he’s re-emerged and put together a pretty nice year,” Black said. “Good throw today. He’s had some big swings of the bats the last few weeks. There’s been a fairly minor adjustment with his swing. The swing is aggressive through the zone.”