In an impressive display of power hitting, Elias Diaz launched a home run among his three hits, while Ezequiel Tovar also went deep, contributing two hits, leading the Colorado Rockies to a dominant 14-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox in Denver on Friday evening. This game showcased the Rockies’ offensive prowess, highlighting key performances that set the tone early and established a commanding lead.
Another standout performance came from Ryan McMahon, who not only hit a crucial three-run homer but also scored three times during the game. Brendan Rodgers was instrumental as well, contributing two hits, scoring two runs, and driving in two RBIs, which significantly bolstered the Rockies’ offensive attack throughout the contest.
On the other side, Elvis Andrus managed to hit a home run and collected three of the White Sox‘s four total hits, showcasing some offensive spark despite the overwhelming loss. His early homer gave the White Sox a brief lead, demonstrating the potential for excitement in a game that ultimately favored Colorado.
Andrus initially put Chicago ahead by launching a home run on the very first pitch of the game, marking his fourth home run of the season. However, the Rockies quickly retaliated, scoring five runs in the bottom of the first inning, which marked the beginning of a blowout that left the White Sox struggling to respond.
After a shaky start, Rockies’ starter Peter Lambert found his rhythm. The right-hander faced some challenges but managed to limit the damage, allowing singles to Andrus in both the third and sixth innings. Each time, those potential threats were erased by double plays, showcasing the Rockies’ defensive strength and Lambert’s adaptability.
Lambert (3-4) pitched a remarkable game, allowing just one run on four hits and one walk while striking out five batters in a season-high seven innings. His performance was key in securing the win for the Rockies, effectively silencing the White Sox hitters and giving his team a solid foundation to build upon.
The Rockies‘ offense provided substantial support for Lambert throughout the game. Charlie Blackmon opened the bottom of the first with a walk, and Tovar followed suit with a powerful 14th home run, setting the stage for a high-scoring inning that would define the course of the game.
McMahon then walked, advanced to third on a double by Rodgers, and scored via a groundout by Nolan Jones. Diaz capped off a five-run inning by launching a ball into the left-field seats for his twelfth home run of the season, further extending Colorado’s lead and boosting team morale.
The Rockies continued to build on their lead in the fourth inning. Jurickson Profar started things off with a double, scoring on Blackmon’s two-out single. Tovar then walked, setting the stage for McMahon’s impressive homer to left-center field, marking another significant inning for Colorado that showcased their offensive depth and talent.
This home run was McMahon’s twenty-first of the season, solidifying his status as a key player for the Rockies and demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure.
Meanwhile, Kopech (5-11) faced challenges on the mound for the White Sox, surrendering nine runs on six hits and four walks while striking out one in four innings. His inability to contain the Rockies’ powerful lineup contributed significantly to Chicago’s struggles throughout the game.
Colorado added to their lead in the sixth inning against reliever Brent Honeywell. Tovar singled with one out, advanced to second on McMahon’s walk, and then Rodgers delivered a clutch triple to right field, driving in both runners. He subsequently scored on a single by Jones, further extending the Rockies’ lead to 12-1 and demonstrating their offensive dominance.
Tovar also added an RBI groundout in the seventh inning, showcasing his versatility and ability to contribute in multiple ways. Additionally, Elehuris Montero made an impact with a pinch-hit, RBI double in the eighth inning, further emphasizing the depth of the Rockies’ lineup.
The Rockies entered this game on a rough patch, having lost seven of their previous eight contests, while the White Sox continued to struggle, experiencing their fifth loss in six games. This victory not only provided a much-needed boost for Colorado but also highlighted the challenges faced by Chicago in their recent games.
—Field Level Media