[MLB] McMahon’s grand slam gave Rockies fans a victory to celebrate

 

(Denver = Won Jeong) The Colorado Rockies celebrated their home opener with a thrilling walk-off victory.

“It was an easy swing,” said Ryan McMahon, who hit a grand slam home run in the bottom of the ninth inning with the bases loaded and the Rockies trailing 7-6.

At Coors Field, the Rockies’ home ballpark, on Friday night (local time), the Rockies got off to a smooth start thanks to a strong performance from starter Austin Gomber, who allowed only two runs over four innings.

Gomber was followed by Lambert, Bird, and Mears, who each pitched two scoreless innings.

However, the Rockies gave up five runs in the top of the ninth inning. The score was quickly reversed to 7-6, after they had been leading 6-2 until the eighth inning.

The Rockies brought in Jalen Beeks as a reliever. Beeks took the mound and faced three batters, retiring two with field plays. Now the Rockies had only one last chance in the bottom of the ninth.

Tampa Bay sent Pete Fairbanks to the mound as their closer.

Leadoff hitter Jake Cave walked on four balls and advanced to first base. Next up, Brendan Rodgers also drew a walk and easily reached first base. Then, Nolan Jones drew another walk to load the bases with the Rockies trailing 7-6.

The at-bat came to Kris Bryant. Tampa Bay replaced Adam with Jason Adam.

Bryant struck out swinging on three pitches.

McMahon, who followed, launched Adam’s 78.8 mph sweeper over the fence for a four-run grand slam.

 

 

The Rockies’ home opener was a success thanks to McMahon’s grand slam.