LOS ANGELES — One game. That’s what separated the Colorado Rockies from their first National League West Division title in franchise history.
But a 5-2 loss to the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium in the division tiebreaker Monday did not end the Rockies’ season or squelch their manager’s spirit.
“The resiliency of this group has been awesome all year,’’ said Bud Black, in his second year as manager. “. …This group bounces back and I expect that tomorrow.’’
The conditions will be less than optimal, with the Rockies having to play the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday at Wrigley Field in a one-game wild card playoff. The winner will advance to play the Milwaukee Brewers in a best-of-5 divisional playoff series, and there’s reason to believe the Rockies could be that team — and advance.
Sans division title, the Rockies have reached the playoffs four times and in 2007 advanced to the World Series. This season the World Series is a long shot for the Rockies, but Black sounded sanguine about his team as he announced that Kyle Freeland (17-7, 2.85 ERA) will start against the Cubs.
“Anytime you get to the postseason it’s an achievement, an achievement for me,’’ Black said. “So I’m proud of our group. It has been a great year. You know, to take a division race down to an extra game is good stuff.’’
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