MLB Power Rankings: Dodgers, Astros lead; Cubs, Orioles on the rise
Colorado Rockies 62-47
Last week: 4-2
Last rank: 5th
The Rockies are headed in the right direction again, having won nine of their last 15 games. Last week, Colorado took two of three games in D.C. against the Nationals and returned to Denver to beat the Mets twice in three games – both in walk-off fashion. Far out of contention for the NL West title, the Rockies strengthened their standing in the Wild Card race and enter the upcoming weekend series with the Phillies with a 5.5-game cushion over the Brewers.
D.J. LeMahieu and Charlie Blackmon both posted double-digit hits last week, with LeMahieu leading the way with 11 (including five doubles). Blackmon led the club with eight runs scored. Nolan Arenado, close behind with nine hits in three games, led the team with seven RBI. New acquisition Jonathan Lucroy introduced himself with a 2-for-3 performance at the plate in his first game with his new team.
Arizona Diamondbacks 62-46
Last week: 4-3
Last rank: 6th
The Diamondbacks maintained their close lead over the Rockies in both the division and Wild Card standings by splitting a four-game series in St. Louis and taking two out of three games from the Cubs at Wrigley Field.
The Arizona pitching staff was dominant against the Cardinals and surrendered a total of five runs in four games. Unfortunately, the offense struggled to provide run support, and the D-Backs dropped a 1-0 decision July 28 and lost 3-2 July 30. The bats came alive in the series finale in Chicago Thursday, however, as Arizona took the rubber game 10-8.
Paul Goldschmidt homered three times Thursday and hit four long balls in six games during the week. Goldschmidt drove in 10 runs and scored five – all of which led the club. Zack Godley was the standout performer on the mound. Godley shut out the Cubs for six innings Wednesday, helping the Diamondbacks secure a 3-0 win.