Blackmon, Goodman Lead Rockies Past White Sox

Rockies players celebrating a spring training victory over the White Sox

March 24, 2024

Rockies 7, White Sox 3

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Mar. 24) — The Colorado Rockies defeated the Chicago White Sox, 7–3, in Cactus League play Sunday afternoon. Leading the Rockies offensively were Charlie Blackmon, who went 3-for-3 with a double and a run scored, and Hunter Goodman, who belted a three-run homer.

Rockies – White Sox Game Summary

The White Sox took the lead in the top of the second on an RBI single to right by Rafael Ortega. In the bottom of the fourth, the Rockies tied the game on an RBI groundout by Brendan Rodgers. The Rockies took a 3–1 lead in the sixth on an RBI single by Rodgers and a sacrifice fly by Elias Diaz. But the White Sox tied it back up in the top of the seventh on a single by Ortega and a sacrifice fly by Chuckie Robinson. Goodman gave the Rockies the lead for good with his three-run dinger in the bottom of the seventh, and a solo shot by Trevor Boone in the bottom of the eighth finished off the scoring.

What Went Right for the Rockies

Offensive Production

The Rockies notched nine hits, three for extra bases, and scored seven runs. Charlie Blackmon batted 3-for-3 with a double and a run scored. Manager Bud Black said of Blackmon’s performance both Sunday and all spring, “Swinging the bat with authority, pulling the ball with authority. Opposite field double there. All good with Chuck.”

Kris Bryant batted 1-for-2 with a single and walk. Ryan McMahon added a single, and Brendan Rodgers had a single with two RBI.

Starting Pitching

Austin Gomber allowed one run on four hits, walking two and striking out three across five innings. Gomber tossed 76 pitches, 47 of which were strikes, to 19 hitters.

“I feel good,” Gomber said. “(I got) through five, feel like I was felt in a good spot physically, could have gone back out but decided that was enough. It’s nice to have a better start than I had last time going into the season. Spring training is what it is. But at the same time, you always want to build some momentum, so it was good to get out there. I feel like it was a good day.”

Defense by the Regulars

McMahon made a slick play near the line to rob Korey Lee of a hit in the top of the fourth. Later that inning, Bryant made a nice play behind the bag before tossing to Gomber covering for the third out.

Of McMahon, Gomber said, “I’ve seen a lot of it over my years here. He’s helped me out tremendously, helped all of our guys out tremendously. I hope this is the year that he gets the Gold Glove. Really, I do. He’s proven that that’s the kind of player he is, and unfortunately, he hasn’t been able to get it yet. But I know we’re rooting for him. He’s a Gold Glover to me, whether he wins the award or not, but I’d love to see him finally break through and get the award.”

Throwing Out Potential Basestealers

Rockies catcher Elias Diaz threw out two potential basestealers in the second inning. This ran his spring total to five. Black said of his All-Star catcher, “Last year he had a good year throwing the ball and doing his part to thwart the running game. If given a chance from the pitcher, he’s gonna throw guys out, because he’s got great throwing mechanics, good footwork, and a strong arm. And the accuracy piece is there, too.”

What Went Wrong for the Rockies

Leadoff Walks

While the Rockies only walked four hitters, all four were the first batter in the inning. Two of them led to runs in the inning, one in the second and two in the seventh.

Looking Ahead

The Rockies will continue their Cactus League slate Monday at American Family Fields of Phoenix against the Milwaukee Brewers. Rockies right-hander Dakota Hudson will take the mound against Brewers righty Colin Rea. First pitch will be at 1:10 pm Arizona Time/2:05 pm Mountain Daylight Time.

The White Sox have finished their Cactus League schedule. On Monday, they will play a five-and-a-half-inning exhibition against their Triple-A affiliate, the Charlotte Knights, at Camelback Ranch. First pitch will be at 10:00 am Arizona Time/Noon Central Daylight Time.

Main Photo Credits:

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Mar. 24) — Members of the Colorado Rockies congratulate one another while leaving the field after defeating the Chicago White Sox, 7–3, in Cactus League play at Salt River Fields. (Evan Thompson/Sport Relay)