1 month after extension, Bard proving his value

ATLANTA -- Rockies closer Daniel Bard was rewarded Tuesday night for an outlook built around replacing frustration with faith.

Bard struck out two in a solid ninth inning of a 3-2 victory over the defending World Series champion (and still-contending-to-defend) Braves at Truist Park, where the Rockies find wins that are elusive at nearly every other stop.

The Rockies are 11-2 at Truist Park since it opened in 2017 -- some feat considering the persistent road struggles that include a 19-43 ledger this year. But with 28 saves in 31 attempts, Bard’s ninth-inning work doesn’t come as a surprise.

Even more, Bard in July signed a two-year, $19 million contract to stay with the Rockies, rather than be traded into a ready-made pennant race. Games like Tuesday haven’t happened nearly enough to keep the Rockies out of the National League West’s basement, but Bard can see these games becoming a regularity.

It was the Rockies’ second straight one-run decision over an NL East contender, on the heels of Sunday’s Germán Márquez-driven 1-0 victory over the Mets at Citi Field. That one, though, came after three straight defeats despite decent overall pitching in two of them.

“We’ve taken that mindset all year,” Bard said. “I think it’s showing up well now. We’ve got some young guys playing that have a lot to prove, which can really be a good thing.”

On Tuesday, veteran starter José Ureña bounced back from a messy start (nine runs in 1 1/3 innings at home against the Rangers) and shook off a bases-loaded situation with one out in the first to go five innings and give up two runs.

Two relievers with something to prove followed to set up Bard.

Justin Lawrence, trying to hold a place for next year in a bullpen that needs to add experience, held the Braves to one hit and struck out one in his two innings.

“The name that stands out for me is Lawrence,” Bard said. “Seeing his growth over the past year and a half has been awesome.”

Free-agent-to-be Carlos Estévez shook off two walks and struck out three in the eighth.

“That guy always bounces back,” Bard said. “I’ve seen it for three years now. He’ll go through a rough spell where they’ll barrel some balls, but it doesn’t last long usually, and you can confidently throw him in there in any situation.

“He filled in for me as closer at the end of last year and did a great job, so I hope he’s back next year. I don’t know if that’s in the cards. I hope it is, but if not, some team is going to be really lucky to have this man. He’s special.”

It wasn’t certain if the Rockies would have Bard, 36, now.

Before the Trade Deadline, multiple teams tried to work a deal with the Rockies. But when the club asked how he felt and made its own offer, Bard signed the extension.

In an odd way, Bard’s job became increasingly difficult as the Rockies sank. Having to lock down close games by definition is unpredictable, since the game has to develop before a closer knows he is needed. Since the All-Star break, the Rockies are 13-24 with three losing streaks of at least four games.

“It’s been a little sporadic, based on the score of the game, but he’s been pretty consistent all year,” Rockies manager Bud Black said, “and he’s put together a couple of good years.”

Bard has a good handle on being ready, even if he has not had as many opportunities to shut down wins as he would have liked.

“You get off the mound when you need to and try to manage the workload,” Bard said. “You try to be the same guy every time you go out.”

Bard, who earned Sunday’s save and had a rare blown save during the Mets series, is banking on the Rockies pitching in meaningful late-season games sooner than later. And he’s working on staying the same, effective guy.