Angels 11, Rockies 5

Five home runs were not enough as the Colorado Rockies (24-34) lost 11-5 to the visiting Los Angeles Angels (31-29) last night in Denver. Saturday’s loss came in the return to Colorado of Jeff Francis, who pitched for the Rockies from 2004-10. The finale of the three-game series is this afternoon at 1:10 at Coors Field (TV: Root Sports).

More often than not, the Rockies prove that no matter how much offense they provide, it’s never enough to make up for poor pitching. Scutaro hit his third homer of the season in the first inning. Colvin’s homer in the second off Haren was his fifth of the season, and he added his sixth in the seventh off Hisanori Takahashi. Carlos Gonzalez went deep for his team-leading 15th against Haren in the fifth. Chris Nelson hit his second of the year to chase Haren with one out in the sixth.

As if the Angels were taunting the Rockies for their power, all of the hits off Francis were singles. The Angels’ only extra-base hit of their 15 total was Albert Pujols’ two-run homer in the sixth off Guillermo Moscoso. The Angels (31-29) moved to three games behind the American League West-leading Rangers, while the Rockies (24-34) are 10 games below .500 for the first time since May 25.

Official: Saturday’s Box Score.

The last time the Rockies went deep five times in a game and lost was May 27 at Cincinnati. They reacted by releasing veteran left-handed starter Jamie Moyer. That won’t happen with Francis, since he just arrived. But at some point, the starters outside of rookie lefty Christian Friedrich and righty Alex White will have to manage a run of credible starting pitching or the season will continue on its frustrating path.

Tickets are available for this afternoon’s game at Coors Field vs. the Los Angeles Angels, and can be purchased by calling (800) 388-ROCK, or click here.

[ColoradoRockies.com]