SAN FRANCISCO — And so the gauntlet begins.
The Rockies, clinging to a dangerously thin lead in the National League West, are facing a string of first-rate starting pitchers over the coming days. How Colorado’s up-and-down offense competes over that stretch could determine if it is worthy of a division title.
The quest began Saturday night at AT&T Park vs. tough-minded Madison Bumgarner, San Francisco’s left-handed ace. Little wonder that veteran Matt Holliday, a seven-time all-star, started in left field.
“He’s an experienced player who goes up there with a good plan going into the at-bat,” manager Bud Black said.