Chacin strong but Rockies bats meek

Now that's a bad day.

Chris Volstad breaks through with first win

The Rockies get blanked by a pitcher in Chris Volstad who had not won a game all season, losing all nine of his decisions, despite getting five strong innings out of the gate by their own starting pitcher.

The Cubs shut out the Rockies even though Jhoulys Chacin allowed on run in five innings. The bullpen, which has been stupendous the game before, was poor on Sunday, giving up four runs in three innings in the shortened game due to rain.

What's important to remember is this - the Rockies swept the Mets, on the road, and took two out of three from the Cubs, also on the road. They just got mowed down today by Volstad, who came into the game with a 6.88 ERA.

Rockies' Prospects Spotlight

Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki went hit-less in three at-bats at Double-A Tulsa.

Joe Gardner has mechanics and pitches working strongly

Double-A pitcher Joe Gardner, however, threw seven innings of one-run ball, striking out seven.

Gardner is finishing the season strong after an up-and-down campaign. His ERA over since July 14th, encompassing five relief appearances and five starts is a stingy 1.84.

I still forecast a relief role for him in the major leagues, with some spot starts.

High-A outfielder Kyle Parker tore up opponent's pitching in July, hitting .378. In August, he's slumped to .264 but his power hasn't been unplugged as he hit his eighth homer of the month Sunday, giving him 22 on the season.

An interesting note for the Grand Junction Rockies. Star outfielder David Dahl had maybe his worst game as a pro since being drafted no. 10 overall in the June amateur draft, going 0-for-4 with three strikeouts, however 2012 second-round pick Max White, who has been awful at the plate, hit his fourth homer of the season and drove in three runs.

White is hitting .185 on the season with 60 strikeouts in 43 games.