LaTroy Hawkins, a 42-year-old who’s still throwing 95 mph fastballs in his final major-league season, might have preferred just one more fastball.
The Rockies’ closer pushed the Chicago Cubs’ Dexter Fowler to a two-strike count with two outs in the ninth Sunday at Coors Field. Both strikes came on fastballs. But Hawkins threw a slider on the third pitch.
And Fowler, Colorado’s former center fielder, sent it deep into the second-deck seats for a game-busting, two-run homer as the Cubs rallied for a 6-5 victory in front of 41,363 fans in Denver.
“It was a cement mixer,” Hawkins said. “That’s what we call them when they don’t do what they’re supposed to do.”
PHOTOS: Chicago Cubs beat Colorado Rockies 6-5
The Rockies were one out from a second consecutive series win to open the season. They opened red-hot, sweeping the Brewers in Milwaukee, then dropping the Cubs in Friday’s home opener.
But Hawkins, who came on with one out in the ninth and a 5-3 lead, walked Arismendy Alcantara, then struck out Mike Olt on a 95 mph fastball. Welington Castillo singled in Alcantara, but then Hawkins met his match.
“Hawk’s my guy,” Fowler said of Hawkins. “He came to my wedding. He helped bring me up. I’ve known him since I was like 18.”
Fowler quickly fell behind 0-2 on fastballs. He was waiting for a slider. He got one. The two-run shot was his first home run of the season.
“He kind of quick-pitched me the first pitch, then the next pitch was a good pitch to hit, up in the zone, fouled it back,” Fowler said. “At that point, I just took a step back and took a deep breath, and it’s like I’m going to battle right here.”
It was Hawkins’ second blown save in three opportunities this season. At Milwaukee on Wednesday, he let a 4-2 lead slip in the ninth inning before the Rockies rallied in the 10th to win 5-4.
“That’s what happens when you make bad pitches,” Hawkins said. “I just couldn’t get ahead of a hitter, then the one I do get ahead of, I gave up a home run.
“When you make terrible pitches like that, that’s what big-leaguers do.”
Entering the ninth, the Rockies seemed to be in control. Their bullpen has been outstanding this season. Other than Hawkins, Rockies relievers have not allowed a run in more than 19 innings.
“I have all the confidence in the world in LaTroy,” said Jordan Lyles, who missed out on a win after allowing just one earned run in six innings. “Next time out there, I want him closing the game with my line on him.”
The Rockies got another solid start from pitcher Jordan Lyles, his second in a row this season. His five hits allowed Sunday followed a six-inning outing last week in a 5-2 win at Milwaukee. Lyles has let in just three earned in 12 innings.
After three consecutive singles in the second from Corey Dickerson, Michael McKenry and Daniel Descalso to load the bases, DJ LaMahieu pulled an 0-2 changeup to left field that cleared the bases. Charlie Blackmon then singled in LaMahieu, and the Rockies had an early 4-1 lead.
The lead fell to the Rockies’ rock. Hawkins, in his 21st season, is their bullpen leader. He’s a part-time coach with a glove. A year ago, Hawkins was a bright spot in a rough year for Rockies relievers. He blew just three saves in 57 games.
Hawkins announced during the offseason this will be his final year. And he was headed toward finishing strong.
“I feel confident. I just get to that point I don’t have the feel,” Hawkins said. “It’s all about touch for me. And I’m trying to get a grip on the ball. It’s just not there yet.”
Nick Groke: ngroke@denverpost.com or twitter.com/nickgroke
Rockies’ Eddie Butler (0-0, 3.18 ERA) vs. Giants’ Chris Heston (1-0, 0.00), 2:35 p.m. Monday, ROOT; 850 AM
In this series, the Rockies will see three San Francisco starting pitchers who haven’t allowed a run this season. Heston will pitch the Giants’ home opener. Butler, 24, will be making his second big-league road start and first against the Giants. In his previous outing, Butler pitched 5 ⅔ innings, allowing four hits. He left trailing 2-1 at Milwaukee, but the Rockies rallied to win 5-4 in 10 innings. Nick Groke, The Denver Post
Tuesday: Rockies’ Christian Bergman (1-0, 0.00) vs. Giants’ Tim Hudson (0-0, 0.00), 8:15 p.m., ROOT
Wednesday: Rockies’ Tyler Matzek (0-0, 2.25) vs. Giants’ Tim Lincecum (0-0, 0.00), 8:15 p.m., ROOT
Thursday: Off
