In a back-and-forth marathon that saw a six-run lead evaporate and a rookie record his first career milestone, it was a pinch-hitter who finally settled the score. The Colorado Rockies beat Phillies 9-7 in an 11-inning thriller on Friday night, using a clutch late-game surge to silence the crowd at Citizens Bank Park.
The 11th Inning Heroics
After both teams failed to score in the 10th, the Rockies finally broke the deadlock in the top of the 11th. Pinch-hitter Troy Johnston delivered the decisive blow, lining a double off Philadelphia reliever Brad Keller to score automatic runner Willi Castro. The momentum didn't stop there, as Jake McCarthy followed up with a sharp single to plate Johnston, providing a much-needed insurance run.
Colorado's bullpen, which had struggled earlier in the evening, found its footing when it mattered most. Juan Mejia took the mound in the bottom of the 11th and managed to navigate a dangerous Philadelphia lineup. Mejia retired Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper to secure his second save of the season and seal the hard-fought victory.
Phillies Rally Behind Justin Crawford’s Milestone
The game appeared to be heading toward a comfortable Rockies beat Phillies outcome early on, but Philadelphia refused to go quietly. Trailing 7-2 in the eighth inning, the Phillies' bats suddenly came alive against the Colorado relief corps. Brandon Marsh ignited the rally with an RBI single, followed by a two-run double from Bryson Stott that cut the deficit to two.
The highlight of the night for the home crowd came moments later. With two outs and a runner on, rookie Justin Crawford launched his first major league home run—a towering two-run shot to right-center field off Jimmy Herget. The blast knotted the game at 7-7, completing a massive five-run comeback and sending the game into extra innings.
Early Dominance and a Five-Run Fourth
The Rockies' early lead was built on the back of an explosive fourth inning that chased Phillies starter Jesus Luzardo from the game. Luzardo, who had been effective in recent starts, struggled mightily, allowing the first seven batters of the fourth to reach base without recording an out.
Hunter Goodman was the star of the early frames, finishing the night with four hits. His primary contribution was a two-run home run in the fourth, his 10th of the season. Kyle Karros added a two-run double, and Ezequiel Tovar chipped in an RBI single to cap a five-run outburst that put Colorado ahead 6-0 at the time. Tyler Freeman also added a solo shot in the seventh to briefly extend the lead.
Pitching Duel and Statistical Notables
Rockies starter Chase Dollander was masterful through five innings, surrendering only one hit. However, his bid for a dominant win faltered in the sixth when Kyle Schwarber connected for a solo home run. The blast was Schwarber’s 13th of the year and his 200th as a member of the Phillies. J.T. Realmuto later added an RBI double in the same inning to end Dollander's night.
On the winning side, reliever Victor Vodnik (1-2) earned the victory after pitching two scoreless innings in the ninth and 10th, providing the stability Colorado needed to reach the 11th. Brad Keller (1-1) took the loss for Philadelphia after giving up the go-ahead runs in the final frame.
Key Game Stats:
- Hunter Goodman: 4-for-5, HR, 2 RBI
- Justin Crawford: 1-for-5, 2-run HR (1st Career)
- Kyle Schwarber: 1-for-6, Solo HR (200th with PHI)
- Winning Pitcher: Victor Vodnik (1-2)
- Save: Juan Mejia (2)
The Rockies will look to carry this momentum through the rest of the series, while the Phillies must regroup after a resilient but ultimately unsuccessful comeback effort.
Sources & Original Reporting
