Rockies Rally to First Win of the Season
The Colorado Rockies finally found their groove, breaking out of a frustrating start to the season with a commanding 14-5 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays. The game turned on a dime in the sixth inning, thanks to Troy Johnston’s electrifying two-run homer that sparked a massive seven-run rally.
Sixth-Inning Surge
Before the sixth, the Rockies were haunted by three straight one-run losses, including a heartbreaking walk-off defeat. But they turned the page with five consecutive batters reaching base with two outs.
It all started with Braxton Fulford's clutch single, bringing Jordan Beck home. Brenton Doyle followed with a single, and Hunter Goodman drew a walk to load the bases.
Willi Castro then delivered a key 2-RBI double, threading the ball just past Addison Barger. Ezequiel Tovar capped off the rally with a double to the warning track, scoring another run.
Late-Game Fireworks
The Rockies didn’t stop there, adding four more runs in the eighth and another in the ninth with a solo shot from Fulford. As the Rockies piled on, the sellout crowd at Rogers Centre began to thin out.
Dollander’s Debut
Chase Dollander, a 2023 first-round pick, showcased his potential by working four innings out of the bullpen and securing the win. He entered after Jaden Hill’s efficient one-pitch fifth inning.
Dollander kept the Jays at bay for two innings before Toronto’s bats came alive in the eighth, with homers from Andrés Giménez and Davis Schneider. Kazuma Okamoto added another solo shot in the ninth.
Rockies Starter’s Effort
Tomoyuki Sugano, who had success against the Blue Jays last year, held his ground, allowing only two hits and two runs over 4 2/3 innings. The only blemish was a solo homer by George Springer in the third. Sugano’s streak of allowing at least one home run in seven consecutive starts continues.
Key Moment
The game was effectively decided when Castro’s bloop hit in the sixth put the Rockies comfortably ahead, sealing their first win of the season.
Player Spotlight
First baseman TJ Rumfield is off to a hot start, boasting a 1.051 OPS after a 3-for-5, 2-RBI performance.
Looking Ahead
The Rockies will send Ryan Feltner to the mound for his first start of the season, while Max Scherzer will pitch for Toronto. First pitch is set for 5:07 p.m. MDT on Tuesday.