The Rockies actually lucked out from the cool air more than the visitors, who drove a number of hard-hit balls toward the track that might have soared a few feet farther in July. Starting pitcher Kyle Freeland navigated those loud outs and a couple of jams to produce a solid six-inning, three-run outing. He allowed eight hits, including a go-ahead home run to Christopher Morel in the fifth inning that would have left the yard in below-freezing temps.
Freeland also worked around an unusual delay. In the top of the third, home plate umpire Brian O’Nora abruptly jogged off the field, through the Rockies dugout. An approximately 15-minute stoppage ensued as second base umpire Tom Hanahan put on gear and took over calling balls and strikes. O’Nora didn’t return to the game, which proceeded with a three-man crew. No announcement was made revealing the reason for O’Nora’s departure.
When the game paused, the Cubs were trying to keep the line moving. Three straight singles to start the inning had tied Colorado 1-1. When action reconvened — Charlie Blackmon had left his post in right field to hang out in the bullpen — Freeland escaped. With help. Blackmon made a diving catch in right to possibly save a run, and Cody Bellinger grounded out to end the threat.
Outfield defense kept Colorado in the game until it didn’t. Jones gunned down an insurance run to end the top of the sixth, keeping the score 3-1. But the Rockies left the last chance of the night go to waste, stranding two runners who reached with one out in the ninth.