In Phoenix, the Rockies' batters woke up from their slow start to the season and were happy with their performance at Chase Field on Saturday night.
Ezequiel Tovar and Brenton Doyle each hit two-run homers to help the Rockies defeat the Diamondbacks 9-4, avoiding their first 0-3 start since 1994.
Rockies pitchers gave up nine walks, including four leadoff walks, which is not recommended, but the D-Backs struggled to score with runners in scoring position, and the Rockies made four important double plays to stop potential rallies.
Manager Bud Black highlighted several important aspects of the game, with particular emphasis on right-hander Nick Mear's performance in the seventh inning. Mear managed to secure the 7-4 lead by striking out Christian Walker and inducing two other batters to make outs.
Nick Mears explained the pressure he faced and his focus on making effective pitches to prevent the D-Backs from tying the game, which was successful.
Manager Black mentioned Nick's potential as a late-inning reliever and emphasized the importance of growth, maturity, and confidence in Nick's career path.
The Rockies' offensive revival occurred in the fifth inning when they were trailing 3-2. They had strong at-bats from Charlie Blackmon, Nolan Jones, and Ryan McMahon.
Blackmon hit a two-run double, Jones hit a two-run triple, and McMahon scored Jones with a sacrifice fly, contributing to the Rockies taking the lead for the first time in three games, ending a 22-inning lead drought.
Nolan Jones expressed the team's growing comfort and confidence, especially after a rough start on opening day. He emphasized the quality at-bats throughout the lineup.
McMahon, who is currently hitting .600 in the early season, drove in a run with a sacrifice fly, contributing to the team's offensive success.
Blackmon's double was significant as it put Colorado in the lead for the first time in three games, breaking the franchise's record of a 22-inning lead drought at the start of a season.
Colorado's left-handed pitcher Austin Gomber had an uneven start, giving up four runs on six hits over 4 2/3 innings, including two home runs and three walks.
Gomber felt he pitched well despite a rough first inning, allowing him to find his rhythm and manage the game effectively.
Gomber started his season by walking Ketel Marte, which later caused trouble. Corbin Carroll then got a single, and Gurriel hit a double to bring Marte home. Moreno's groundout scored Carroll, giving Arizona a 2-0 lead.
Gurriel is off to a great start, hitting .462 with three home runs and eight RBIs in his first three games. He's the first D-backs player to hit a homer in the season's first three games.
Colorado equalized the game in the second inning with Tovar's two-out, two-run homer to left, bringing in Elias Diaz. Tovar hit Henry's 0-1 fastball 402 feet.
First baseman Elehuris Montero walked three times, a career high, and shows signs of becoming the more disciplined hitter the Rockies are hoping for.
"This was a team win; a lot of guys contributed," Black said. "'Monty' had a really good night, and Doyle, too. These are growth moments for these guys. Moments like that for Montero and Doyle? If that continues to happen? That's what we're talking about."
One player who struggled for Colorado was Bryant, the designated hitter on Saturday night. He struck out four times, marking the eighth “Golden Sombrero” of his career and his first since 2019. He remains hitless after three games.
