Ryan McMahon hit a home run into the Allegheny River, helping the Colorado Rockies secure a 3-2 victory over the struggling Pittsburgh Pirates.
This win is significant because it breaks a streak where Colorado had trailed in each of its first 31 games this season, setting a modern-era record.
The Rockies never trailed in tonight’s game against Pittsburgh, snapping their MLB record of 31 games
(h/t @BNightengale) pic.twitter.com/ombC6ZGvei
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 4, 2024
McMahon’s homer in the sixth inning put the Rockies ahead, and Elehuris Montero and Brendan Rodgers added RBI singles to extend the lead.
Cal Quantrill pitched into the eighth inning, allowing only three hits with nine strikeouts. Although Oneil Cruz hit a two-run homer in the ninth for the Pirates, Jalen Beeks recorded the final two outs for his first save of the season.
The Pirates have been struggling, losing five consecutive games and 14 of their last 17. They have also struggled offensively, scoring two runs or fewer 13 times during their recent slump.
Martín Pérez started for Pittsburgh but ran into trouble in the sixth inning, giving up McMahon’s home run.
The Colorado Rockies achieved a significant milestone in their game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. For the first time this season, they led wire to wire, securing a 3-2 victory.
This accomplishment is particularly noteworthy because the Rockies had trailed in each of their first 31 games, setting a modern-era record for consecutive games played without holding a lead.
Let’s break down the key points from this exciting matchup:
1. Ryan McMahon’s Heroics: In the sixth inning, Ryan McMahon stepped up to the plate and delivered a clutch performance. He launched a home run into the Allegheny River, putting the Rockies ahead against Pirates pitcher Martín Pérez. This blast marked McMahon’s fifth homer of the season and was the pivotal moment that broke the streak of trailing in games.
2. Additional Offense: The Rockies didn’t stop there. Elehuris Montero and Brendan Rodgers followed up with RBI singles later in the sixth inning, further extending their lead. This offensive surge allowed them to maintain control throughout the game.
3. Cal Quantrill’s Strong Start: Starting pitcher Cal Quantrill played a crucial role in securing the victory. He pitched into the eighth inning, limiting the Pirates to just three hits while striking out nine batters. Quantrill’s performance was instrumental in keeping Pittsburgh’s offense at bay.
4. Jalen Beeks Closes It Out: In the ninth inning, Jalen Beeks took the mound and secured his first save of the season. Although he gave up a two-run homer to the Pirates’ Oneil Cruz, Beeks managed to record the final outs and seal the win for the Rockies.
5. Pirates’ Struggles: On the other side, the struggling Pirates have dropped five straight games and 14 of their last 17. Their offense has been particularly anemic, scoring two runs or fewer in 13 of those games. Additionally, their performance with runners in scoring position has been subpar, going 3 for 40 in their last seven games.
6. Pitching Duel: Pérez, the Pirates’ starter, matched Quantrill through five innings. However, his 83-mph changeup to McMahon ultimately became the 71st baseball to land in the Allegheny River since PNC Park opened in 2001. Pérez’s solid start was overshadowed by the Rockies’ offensive outburst.
7. Upcoming Matchup: The series continues with hard-throwing Pittsburgh rookie Jared Jones facing Colorado’s Austin Gomber in the next game. Both teams will look to build on their performances and secure another victory.
The Rockies’ wire-to-wire win against the Pirates is a testament to their resilience and determination.
Breaking the streak of trailing in games is a significant achievement, and fans can celebrate this historic moment in Rockies baseball.
Fans reacted as follows:
The Rockies never trailed in tonight’s game against Pittsburgh, snapping their MLB record of 31 games pic.twitter.com/unQ8yN4D5p
— Rashmi tanwr (@rashmiTanwr) May 4, 2024
WORLD SERIES BOUND
— Gabe Speier is my closer. (@17776ers) May 4, 2024
Now that’s a fascinating stat
— Ballplayer Buzz (@ballplayer_buzz) May 4, 2024
