Wed Sep 18 20:27:00 UTC 2024: ## Rockies Suffer Setback as Gomber Struggles in Loss to Diamondbacks
**Denver, CO** – The Colorado Rockies suffered a 9-4 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday, halting their recent momentum and putting their quest to avoid a second consecutive 100-loss season in jeopardy.
The Rockies, who had won five of their last six games, were dealt a blow by a disastrous performance from starting pitcher Austin Gomber. The lefty, who had put together strong outings in his previous two starts, was unable to find his rhythm against the Diamondbacks, surrendering six runs on six hits in just two innings.
Gomber struggled with command, giving up three home runs, including back-to-back blasts by Corbin Carroll and Randal Grichuk in the second inning. “Just some elevated pitches,” said Rockies manager Bud Black. “Too many pitches up. From my eye, his stuff was just not crisp.”
Despite Gomber’s early exit, the Rockies received a spark from Sam Hilliard, who came off the bench to go 2 for 4 with two RBIs. Ezequiel Tovar also drove in two runs for Colorado, but the offensive output was not enough to overcome the early deficit.
The Diamondbacks, who avoided a three-game sweep, were led by Carroll, who finished with two home runs and three RBIs. Eduardo Rodriguez earned the win for Arizona, limiting the Rockies to two runs over 6.1 innings.
The Rockies now have a 59-94 record and face a tough task ahead with nine games remaining. They travel to Los Angeles for a three-game series against the Dodgers this weekend before finishing the season with a six-game homestand.
“Obviously, it’s frustrating,” said Gomber. “I feel like I’ve had a couple of these this year that feel like you’re throwing the ball really well for an extended period of time. Then, you have a really bad clunker, but I’ve gotten by it before, and I’ll continue to get by it again. I think I have one more start left, so the goal is just to try to finish strong.”
First Piper 