September 14th 2024.
Hunter Goodman was focused on creating an exciting new game when he stepped up to the plate in the eighth inning. Little did he know, he was about to make history with one swing of the bat.
In front of a packed crowd at Coors Field, Goodman blasted a grand slam that ultimately secured a 9-5 victory for the Colorado Rockies against the Chicago Cubs. It was a career night for the young player, who also hit another home run earlier in the game and had a total of three hits. His seven runs batted in were the most by a Colorado hitter since 2022.
After the game, Goodman couldn't contain his excitement. "You work every day for moments like these," he said. "All the hard work in the batting cage and training pays off when you have nights like this. It's something you dream about growing up."
The Rockies' bullpen had been performing well lately, but the Cubs managed to tie the game in the eighth inning with a three-run homer by Michael Busch off reliever Victor Vodnik. However, that was the only blip in an otherwise excellent outing by Rockies pitcher Adalyn Gomber.
Gomber, who had taken some time off for the birth of his daughter, had a rough start in the first inning, giving up two runs on three hits and a walk. But he quickly found his stride and went on to pitch six solid innings, allowing only two runs. He was on track for the win until the Cubs' late rally.
"Sometimes it's not going to be pretty, or you're not going to have your best stuff, but you've got to find a way to make it work," Gomber said. "I thought when I needed to make pitches in big spots, I did. It felt like I was okay until I needed to be good, and then I was good."
Gomber's first inning troubles have been a challenge for him this season, as he has allowed the most runs and hits in that frame compared to any other inning. But he has been able to bounce back and maintain a stellar 2.84 ERA in the 130 innings he's pitched after the first.
The Cubs had several opportunities to score against Gomber, but he managed to keep them in check with some impressive pitching. He induced a crucial double play in the fourth inning and got three consecutive outs after the first two batters reached base in the sixth.
Goodman's big hit in the second inning gave the Rockies an early lead. His two-run homer to left field put them ahead 3-2, and he later added another RBI with a single in the fourth inning. He narrowly missed hitting a second home run in the sixth, with a long out that would have been a homer in most MLB parks.
Goodman's performance was a much-needed boost for the Rockies, as he had been struggling at the plate in recent weeks. He had only two home runs and 13 hits in his last 31 games before this breakout game.
Manager Bud Black praised Goodman's efforts, saying, "With just a couple of weeks left, there is still a chance for these young guys to make an impact. A night like this definitely helps his cause."
The Rockies' Ezequiel Tovar also contributed with a solo home run in the seventh inning to give the team a 5-2 lead. However, the Cubs were able to tie the game in the eighth before Goodman's grand slam secured the win for the Rockies.
In other news, the Rockies confirmed that pitcher Antonio Senzatela will make his first start since 2023 on Monday night. Senzatela had been out of action due to Tommy John surgery but is now ready to make his comeback.
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Kris Bryant, who is still recovering from an injury and may not return to the lineup this season. Despite only playing in 37 games, Bryant has managed to hit two home runs for the Cubs.
The pitching matchup for Saturday's game will feature Rockies' Kyle Freeland against the Cubs' Jameson Taillon. Freeland has been in top form lately, with a 3.36 ERA in his last 14 starts. Taillon has also been impressive, allowing only one run in his last two outings. Both pitchers will be looking to continue their recent success on the mound.
The series will continue on Sunday with Kyle Hendricks pitching for the Cubs and Paul Quantrill taking the mound for the Rockies. On Monday, the Rockies will face the Diamondbacks, with Senzatela making his much-anticipated return to the field. The series will wrap up on Tuesday with two TBA pitchers facing off.
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