Rockies Falter in Ninth, Bow to Diamondbacks

Michael Toglia of the Rockies forcing out Jose Herrera of the Diamondbacks

Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images

August 13, 2024

Diamondbacks 4, Rockies 3

PHOENIX (Aug. 13) — Jake McCarthy slapped a two-out, two-strike, two-run opposite-field single in the bottom of the ninth to give the Arizona Diamondbacks a walk-off victory over the Colorado Rockies Tuesday night.

McCarthy’s heroics took a much-deserved victory away from Rockies starter Austin Gomber. Gomber scattered six hits over six innings, allowing two runs while walking one and striking out four. Diamondbacks starter Eduardo Rodriguez, while not lasting as long as Gomber, had a decent night, allowing three runs on five hits with one walk and five strikeouts across five innings.

Rockies – Diamondbacks Game Summary

The Rockies took a 1–0 lead on a two-out RBI single by left fielder Jordan Beck in the top of the second. A tremendous defensive play by Diamondbacks right fielder Corbin Carroll kept the Rockies from doing more damage. Rockies right fielder Hunter Goodman roped a deep drive to right with runners on first and second and two out, but Carroll ran a long way to make the catch as he reached the fence.

It became a 3–0 Rockies lead in the third after an RBI single by center fielder Brenton Doyle and an RBI double by first baseman Michael Toglia. The Diamondbacks got two of those runs back in the ensuing half-inning on an RBI groundout by designated hitter Lourdes Gurriel Jr.and an RBI double by first baseman Josh Bell.

Carroll turned up the tension with one out in the bottom of the ninth when he ripped a triple into the right-field corner off Rockies closer Victor Vodnik. Second baseman Kevin Newman struck out before pinch-hitter Adrian Del Castillo and shortstop Geraldo Perdomo both walked. That brought up McCarthy for the walk-off heroics.

What Went Right for the Rockies

Starting Pitching

Austin Gomber spun a Quality Start, giving the Rockies a good chance to win. He left the game with a 3–2 lead. Gomber also walked only one batter, a positive result given his effort to reduce walks this season.

“Felt good,” Gomber said. “Little erratic at times, but I was able to make pitches when I needed to. Ellie (catcher Elias Diaz) did a good job. Defense was really good. (Tovar) up the middle made a couple of really good plays. Overall, a good start.”

“Gomber threw the ball great,” manager Bud Black said. He added, “Good mix of pitches. The fastball was located, good change, good curve, good slider. Had them off balance. Choked off some of their swings. Got his grounders, got (a few) strikeouts.”

Defense

With runners on first and second, one out, and the heart of the Diamondbacks order coming up in the bottom of the seventh, Ezequiel Tovar made a tough defensive play. The speedy Jake McCarthy bounced a Noah Davis offering up the middle. It wasn’t hit very hard. Tovar timed the play so his foot would be on second while fielding the ball. He snapped the throw to first in time to get McCarthy by a narrow margin. Not only did it end the inning, but it was the first double play McCarthy grounded into all season.

“Good sinker by Noah,” Black said. “Out away from (McCarthy), down. He topped it. Tovar had to make a nice play. He had to catch it, step on the bag, and make a strong throw. McCarthy’s fast. But that was good for Noah to get out of that one.”

Joc Pederson smashed a liner toward the gap in right-center with the bases empty and no one out in the bottom of the eighth. It showed signs of being a double, but Jake Cave reacted quickly and ran it down at the perfect angle to make the catch.

What Went Wrong for the Rockies

The Ninth Inning

Vodnik walked two consecutive batters with two outs and Carroll on third, giving McCarthy the chance to be a hero. In addition, he was one strike away from victory twice. The latter walk came on a full count, and the McCarthy single came on a 1–2 count.

Offense Disappeared

From the fourth inning onward, the Rockies only had one baserunner. That came on a one-out walk in the top of the seventh. The walk snapped a streak of 10 straight outs by the Rockies but preceded a string of eight in a row.

“Credit to their bullpen for shutting us down,” Black said. “We couldn’t get anything going.”

Looking Ahead

Joe Mantiply (6–2) earned the win in relief, with Vodnik taking the blown save-loss double whammy (3–3, 3 BSv).

The Rockies (44–77) and Diamondbacks (68–53) will conclude their three-game series Wednesday afternoon. Rockies right-hander Tanner Gordon (0–3, 6.15 ERA) will face Diamondbacks lefty Jordan Montgomery (7–6, 6.37 ERA). First pitch will be at 12:40 pm Arizona Time/1:40 pm Mountain Daylight Time.