Rockies 5, Phillies 4: get these men some cheesesteaks

The Colorado Rockies may not enjoy having to play spoiler, but they did it well this series against the Philadelphia Phillies. The Rockies beat the Phillies 5-4 this afternoon, earning a rare series win on the road and setting the Phils back three games in the NL WIld Card race.

Still getting a feel for it

Rookie pitcher Ryan Feltner got his second career start today—just his second career game above the Double-A level. Feltner had a much stronger outing compared to his debut, but struggled with efficiency and walked three batters. However, he allowed just two earned runs on four hits, and struck out six batters, including his first big league strikeout. Feltner was removed from the game with a high pitch count over 3 ²⁄₃ innings after giving up a two-out RBI single to Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola. His improvement over a tough outing is encouraging for the young prospect, and he should get at least one more start this season.

Brotherly bullpen love

It was a group effort out of the bullpen that kept the game in the Rockies’ favor. With starter Ryan Feltner going just 3 ²⁄₃ innings, the Rockies had to turn to their relief corps early. Lucas Gilbreath finished off the fourth inning for Feltner with two outs and runners on the corners by inducing an easy flyout to center. Ashton Goudeau then pitched for two innings, giving up one run on one hit with two strikeouts. The run scored in the sixth on a wild pitch with two outs and a runner on third base. Jhoulys Chacín pitched the next two, giving up one hit and one run: a home run off the bat of the red hot Bryce Harper. Carlos Estévez earned his seven save of the season with a one hit, shutout ninth to seal the Rockies’ win.

He’s got that sneaky pop

Speedy utilityman Garrett Hampson earned the MVP chain for carrying the offense in this afternoon’s affair, going 3-for-5. His career high five RBIs account for every single Rockies run scored, all of which came off of home runs. In the fifth inning, Hampson launched his 10th home run of the season after back-to-back singles from Elias Díaz and rookie Colton Welker to push the Rockies ahead. They would not trail the rest of the game. When the Phillies tied up the game, Hampson decided to unleash his sneaky pop yet again with Elias Díaz on base in the seventh inning. Elias Díaz and Brendan Rodgers also continued their standout 2021 campaigns with respective 2-for-4 and 3-for-4 afternoons, and Colton Welker struck his third big league base hit.

Coming up next

The Rockies have Monday off before flying down to Atlanta to take on the Braves in a two game series. Jon Gray will make his second start since coming off the IL, squaring off against the Braves’ Touki Toussaint. First pitch is at 5:20 PM MDT.