Colorado’s 8-5 loss to the Reds Friday night was a microcosm of where the Rockies’ season is going. Matt Holliday and Brad Hawpe continue to provide power, but the defending National League champs fell to 59-71 in the NL West.

The starting staff has a 5.32 ERA in August -- the fourth-worst mark in the majors -- and Livan Hernandez was roughed up for six runs in 3.2 innings Friday. One of the few bright spots of late has been rookie Ian Stewart, and the Rockies third baseman was 4-for-5 with an RBI single in the loss.

Stewart spent nearly a month with the Rockies in May and June, but returned to Triple-A Colorado Springs on June 23, after batting .218 and striking out 28 times in 55 at-bats.

The 23-year-old rookie rejoined Colorado on July 19. Since his return, Stewart is hitting .352 with 11 doubles, six home runs and 33 RBIs in 32 games. What’s the key?

The player will say confidence, or maybe a mechanical tweak to his swing. But the bottom line is: Stewart has been one of the best hitters in the majors with runners in scoring position.

Among players with at least 40 plate appearances with RISP in the second half, Stewart is hitting a major league-high .500 (18-for-36). His 18 hits include five doubles and two home runs.

Batting Leaders with RISP, Second Half of 2008
(minimum 40 PA with RISP)

Player. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AB. . . . . . . . . . . . . . AVG. . . . . . . . . . . . RBIs
Ian Stewart, Col. . . . . . . . .36. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .500. . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Justin Morneau, Min. . . . . 34. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .471. . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Melvin Mora, Bal. . . . . . . . 50. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .440. . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Nick Markakis, Bal. . . . . . . 32. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .406. . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Miguel Cabrera, Det . . . . . 53. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .396. . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

In second-half slugging with RISP, Stewart (.806) trails only Minnesota’s Justin Morneau (.824) and Marlon Byrd of the Rangers (.818). Stewart’s 26 RBIs are tied for third with teammate Hawpe, and only Baltimore’s Melvin Mora (35) and Detroit’s Miguel Cabrera (33) have more.