Rockies 3, Astros 2: Rockies redeem themselves in a strange game of baseball

The Colorado Rockies beat the Houston Astros, 3-2, in walk-off fashion with a home run by Charlie Blackmon after strange game of baseball. Jon Gray pitched seven brilliant innings, only allowing a single hit, two runs (only one earned), two walks, and six strikeouts. The two Rockies relievers looked solid too. Adam Ottavino threw nine pitches in the eighth, seven for strikes that resulted in two strikeouts in one inning of work. After a dismal outing Tuesday that ended up costing the Rockies, Wade Davis pitched the ninth inning, walking one batter and striking out two on 23 pitches. This was the first time the Rockies have beaten the Astros at Coors Field since 2013.

Two Errors

Unfortunately, after a great home run by Carlos González in the second inning, the Rockies committed two errors in the fourth to give the Astros a 2-1 lead. The first error was committed by Ian Desmond, which allowed Jose Altuve to move to third base after his RBI double from the previous at bat. The second error was catcher’s interference by Tom Murphy, who held his hand out too far and was hit in the glove by the bat of Josh Reddick. That allowed Reddick to take first base and move Yuli Gurriel to second, loading the bases. Marwin González grounded out to first on the next at bat to score the second run of the inning.

Robbery!

Despite all the drama in the fourth inning, the fifth inning provided some relief. Trevor Story showed why he was an All-Star, making an immaculate play to rob George Springer of a single to end the inning. It was so immaculate that even Springer himself couldn’t believe it. Here’s the footage:

Um ... what just happened?

The seventh inning provided the most interesting play of the game. It seemed like a routine pop-up to third base by Nolan Arenado, but J.D. Davis fell into the dugout trying to catch the ball. Pinch hitter Raimel Tapia read the play well and was able to score from third base on what would be ruled a sacrifice to third base.

The one that ended it all

After last night’s debacle, it’s not surprising that the Rockies weren’t looking to go into extras for the second straight night. Charlie Blackmon was the hero, hitting a walk off home run to center field to give the Rockies the victory. It was the first walk off home run of Blackmon’s career.

Looking ahead

The Rockies have an off day on Thursday before welcoming the Oakland Athletics to town for a three game set beginning on Friday. Kyle Freeland is set to take the mound against Sean Manaea at 6:40 p.m MST.