Rockies pitcher makes it through three shutout innings despite being ‘sick as a dog’ and throwing up in bullpen

Rockies Report, Game 70:

ROCKIES BOTTOM LINE: Rookie starter Sean Sullivan delivered three innings of shutout ball despite an illness to keep the Rockies in the game, but the A’s later got the better of the Colorado bullpen for six runs between the fourth and seventh innings to win 6-4 in the opening game of a three-game series at Las Vegas Ballpark in Summerlin, Nev.

Sullivan, the No. 11 prospect in the Colorado system, was called up Friday to make his first major-league start. But with 103-degree conditions baking both teams, Sullivan was “sick as a dog,” as Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer put it, ultimately gritting through 49 pitches over three innings despite being palpably unwell.

“He was throwing up in the bullpen before the game,” Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer said. “He grinded for us today in his big-league debut.

“… You could kind of tell that he was choking back the vomit the whole time there, coming in between innings and throwing up.”

Sullivan allowed a second-inning double to A’s catcher Jonah Heim, then escaped two-out, two-on trouble in the third inning. His 49th and final pitch saw him induce a harmless pop fly from Colby Thomas.

“He got through that third inning; he looked like death. That was about all he had. He did great for us. You don’t want him to be sick on his debut, but he did a great job — three zeroes for us,” Schaeffer said.

Highlighting the night at the plate for the Rox was a three-run homer from rookie Cole Carrigg — his second home run in four games since being called up from AAA Albuquerque. That put the Rockies up 4-2 midway through the sixth inning.

But Colorado barfed it back in the bottom of the sixth inning. Max Muncy’s 2-RBI double off Zach Agnos tied the score at 4-apiece. Runs in the seventh and eighth innings allowed the A’s to pull away.

The Rox fell to 26-44.

ROCKIES STARTER’S REPORT

Sullivan’s start was one to be remembered. The question is whether Sullivan himself will recall the events of the evening, given his condition.

“It’s something he’ll never forget — if he can remember it,” Schaeffer said of the 23-year-old’s performance.

BITS AND PIECES

IT WAS DECIDED FOR THE ROCKIES WHEN: Hogan Harris retired the Rockies in order in the ninth to preserve the Athletics’ win.

NUMBER TO NOTE: 10 — Rockies strikeouts at the plate, against just one walk.

WHAT’S NEXT: Kyle Freeland gets the assignment for the second game of the series. The A’s have yet to name a starter. First pitch is slated for 8:05 p.m. MDT on Saturday night.