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LeMahieu's defensive prowess gaining attention

Gold Glove second baseman impresses with glove work in season-opening sweep

DENVER -- The Rockies' DJ LeMahieu was celebrated Friday for winning his first Rawlings Gold Glove Award, but some of his biggest plays can be lost in the shuffle. He made one in each of the last two games of the season-opening sweep at Milwaukee.

With the Rockies leading, 3-0, at the start of the fourth inning Tuesday, the Brewers' Adam Lind hoped to hustle some life into his team. But LeMahieu took center fielder Charlie Blackmon's throw and fired to third to erase Lind -- and Milwaukee's momentum in Colorado's 5-2 victory.

Video: COL@MIL: Rockies throw out Lind at third base

In the ninth inning Wednesday, the Brewers rolled four hits off LaTroy Hawkins for two runs to send the game into extra innings. The winning run would've scored if not for LeMahieu ranging left to rob Scooter Gennett for the second out. Wilin Rosario's 10th-inning homer won it, 5-4.

"I just try to help us win; I don't worry about how much of an impact it has on the game," LeMahieu said. "If that's the biggest thing that helps, it makes it better. Our team is very aware of those little things. And our pitchers really appreciate it, too."

Manager Walt Weiss said players know the value of their teammates' contributions, even if they go unnoticed outside.

"We just take a lot of pride in our defense, and our infield certainly does," Weiss said. "DJ has been under the radar, relatively speaking, but he ended up winning a Gold Glove last year, so I think he's starting to make some noise in this league as a defender."

Third baseman Nolan Arenado also was honored before Friday's game for winning his second Gold Glove.

Thomas Harding is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Hardball in the Rockies, follow him on Twitter @harding_at_mlb, and like his Facebook page, Thomas Harding and Friends at www.Rockies.com.
Read More: Colorado Rockies, DJ LeMahieu