Rockies’ Senzatela gets emotional win year after mom’s death

Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Antonio Senzatela delivers pitch to Los Angeles Dodgers' Joc Pederson in the first inning of a baseball game Sunday, May 14, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Antonio Senzatela delivers pitch to Los Angeles Dodgers' Joc Pederson in the first inning of a baseball game Sunday, May 14, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

By Associated Press May 15, 2017 5 min read

DENVER (AP) – Colorado’s Antonio Senzatela emphatically pointed to the sky as he closed out the fifth inning on Sunday.

It had been an emotional Mother’s Day for the 22-year-old rookie.

Pat Valaika homered twice and drove in four runs, Senzatela got the win and the Rockies beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 9-6.

Senzatela (6-1) was pitching on Mother’s Day for the first time since his mom died of breast cancer last July. Like many around the league, Senzatela used a pink bat to raise awareness about the disease. He also wrote his mother’s name, “Nidya,” on his pink and white cleats.

“I feel good,” Senzatela said. “Too many emotions in my heart now.”