Rockies’ Pitching Staff Collapses, Allows Seven Runs in Fifth Inning as Sweep Bid Falls Short
DENVER, CO (Won Jeong) – The Colorado Rockies suffered a 19-6 loss to the San Francisco Giants on Saturday, allowing 25 hits as their pitching staff unraveled in a lopsided defeat.
Colorado hosted San Francisco in the finale of a three-game series at Coors Field on May 31. The Rockies mounted a brief comeback in the fourth inning after a broken-bat grounder by Willi Castro stayed in the infield. Giants starter Robbie Ray attempted a throw to first base, but his errant toss sailed well past the first baseman’s glove, allowing runners from second and third to score. The defensive miscue helped Colorado cut the deficit from 4-1 to 4-3.
Rockies starter Tanner Gordon allowed four runs before being removed with one out remaining in the fourth inning. Reliever Brennan Bernardino entered and completed the inning without allowing a run, needing just 18 pitches to escape the frame.
However, the game unraveled in the top of the fifth. Colorado turned to Zach Agnos, who surrendered seven runs, including a home run, as the Giants broke the game open. By the end of the inning, San Francisco had stretched its lead to 11-3.
Gordon threw 75 pitches before leaving the game. His outing ended shortly after a pitch struck Daniel Susac in the head during the fourth inning, forcing Colorado to rely on its bullpen earlier than expected.
Offensively, the Rockies received contributions from Tyler Freeman, Troy Johnston, and Kyle Karros, who continued to collect hits throughout the game, but Colorado was unable to keep pace with San Francisco’s relentless offense.
Giants outfielder Jung Hoo Lee led the charge, going 5-for-6 with two RBIs and one run scored.
Lee raised his batting average from .287 entering the game to .304 afterward, continuing to show improved form at the plate.
San Francisco’s middle of the order powered the offense, scoring seven runs in the fifth inning alone. The biggest blow came from Willy Adames, who launched a grand slam to cap the rally.
Adames crushed a 96-mph four-seam fastball from Agnos over the left-field wall, extending the Giants’ lead from 7-3 to 11-3 and effectively putting the game out of reach.
Colorado added another run in the seventh inning when catcher Braxton Fulford lined an RBI single between first and right field off Joel Peguero, driving in Hunter Goodman from third base to make it 14-6. The Rockies, however, could not generate any further offense.
With the loss, Colorado fell to 22-38 and remained in fifth place in the National League West. San Francisco improved to 23-37 and holds a one-game advantage over the Rockies in the division standings.
