Is The Rockies Magic Back Again: A One-Game Winning Streak

Is the magic back in the Rockies' clubhouse?

The winning streak that propelled the Colorado Rockies to the 2007 World Series was truly amazing. The Rocktober-festival saw the Rockies win 22 of 23 games at the end of the season before being swept in the World Series by the Red Sox.

Looking back, it's nice to make it to the World Series, but how does it feel to lose it as if being taken to the proverbial wood shed?

Baseball is a game of streaks sometimes, but the most important winning streak a team can have?

One.

Yeah, it sounds cliche, but one game at a time is the most effective way to get through a long, arduous season.

Sure, it's nice to win games in bunches. Dramatic results come from winning streaks.

The Rockies were 15 games back on June 3 before reeling off 17 wins in 18 games and dramatically closing the gap. They have won eight of 11 games currently and are just five and a half games back as they lead the Wild Card race.

Now they need to focus. They host Pittsburgh; Then comes a road trip to Florida and Washington; Then possible season-changing series start as San Francisco and Los Angeles visit Denver. Finally, the team travels to a series at San Francisco.

It is just natural to look ahead to the Giants and Dodgers, but don't overlook the upcoming games and lose a few that could haunt the team the rest of the season.

Fatigue could be a huge factor as the Rockies are playing in a stretch of 26 games in 27 days! They have played six games in six days, but have six more before their next off day on Aug. 17. Then comes a 13-game stretch in 13 days, culminating in the Dodgers/Giants battles.

Pittsburgh has lost eight in a row and 13 of 15 (The Pirates are streaking one game at a time as well—backwards). Losing this series could cost the Rockies the Wild Card lead and or a few games in the standings behind the Dodgers.

There is no reason the Pirates should win these games unless Colorado doesn't take care of business.

One game at a time, three games in a row. Sweep.

Florida will present a stiff challenge and the Nationals have won eight in a row. Winning four of these six games would be an accomplishment. 

It would also give the Rockies a 7-2 record for these upcoming series and probably ensures the nine following games with the Giants and Dodgers become monumental in their quest to overtake the Dodgers or put a strangle hold on the Wild Card lead.

There is nothing in baseball better than a great pennant race and there is definitely one brewing in the National League West this year. The NL West showdowns coming up can be something epic if the Rockies can focus on their next one-game winning streak starting tonight against Pittsburgh.