The Colorado Rockies erased a late deficit and held off the Los Angeles Angels for a 9-8 win Monday night at Angel Stadium. A five-run eighth inning transformed the game, and TJ Rumfield’s sacrifice fly in the ninth completed Colorado’s comeback in a contest that featured multiple lead changes and plenty of offense.
Hunter Goodman delivered the biggest swing of the night for Colorado, launching a three-run homer during the decisive eighth inning rally. The Angels answered immediately in the bottom half, tying the game behind Jorge Soler’s two-run triple. But the Rockies regained control in the ninth and held on for the victory.
The loss continued a frustrating stretch for Los Angeles, which appeared positioned to win after building an early lead behind Jose Siri’s grand slam. Instead, Colorado’s late surge overwhelmed the Angels bullpen and spoiled another strong offensive effort.
Angels Build Early Advantage
Los Angeles struck first after Colorado grabbed an early lead.
The Rockies opened the scoring in the first inning when Troy Johnston delivered an RBI single. Jake McCarthy added a solo home run in the third to extend Colorado’s advantage to 2-0.
The Angels responded quickly and decisively.
Jo Adell drove in a run with a single in the bottom of the third before Siri stepped to the plate with the bases loaded. The outfielder crushed his second career grand slam, turning a two-run deficit into a 5-2 lead and energizing the home crowd.
The Angels continued to apply pressure throughout the middle innings. They added another run in the fifth when Vaughn Grissom scored on a throwing error by Goodman, stretching the lead to 6-3.
At that point, Los Angeles appeared firmly in control.
Soriano Battles Through Control Problems
Angels starter José Soriano delivered a mixed performance.
The right-hander struck out seven batters in 4 2/3 innings and limited Colorado to three hits. However, he struggled with command throughout the night.
Soriano walked a career-high seven batters and hit two others. Despite the constant traffic on the bases, he managed to limit the damage and left the game with a three-run lead.
The outing marked a rare loss of control for one of the Angels’ most reliable starters this season. He became the first Angels pitcher in more than a decade to issue seven walks in a game.
Colorado remained within striking distance largely because of those free passes.
Rockies Explode In The Eighth
The game changed dramatically in the eighth inning.
Trailing 6-3, the Rockies put together their most productive inning of the night. Kyle Karros began the rally with an RBI double. Tyler Freeman followed with a run-scoring single that trimmed the deficit further and shifted momentum toward Colorado.
Goodman then delivered the decisive blow.
With two runners aboard, the Rockies slugger drove a pitch over the left-field wall for a three-run homer. The blast capped a five-run inning and suddenly gave Colorado an 8-6 lead.
The home run was Goodman’s 14th of the season and continued his strong offensive campaign. It also completed a remarkable turnaround for a Rockies team that had spent most of the evening trailing.
Colorado’s dugout erupted as the visitors seized control for the first time since the early innings.
Angels Fight Back But Fall Short
The Angels refused to go away.
In the bottom of the eighth, Los Angeles mounted an immediate response. The offense pressured the Colorado bullpen and eventually tied the game.
Soler delivered the key hit, ripping a two-run triple that brought home two runners and leveled the score at 8-8. The clutch swing erased Colorado’s newly gained advantage and set up a tense final inning.
Momentum appeared to swing back toward the Angels.
But Colorado answered one more time.
Rumfield Delivers Winning Run
The Rockies wasted little time creating another scoring opportunity in the ninth.
Kyle Karros reached base and moved into scoring position before McCarthy lined a double that advanced him to third. McCarthy finished with two hits, including his earlier home run, and played a major role in Colorado’s offensive success.
With one out, Rumfield lifted a fly ball to right field deep enough to score Karros from third.
The sacrifice fly gave Colorado a 9-8 lead and ultimately became the winning run.
Angels reliever Kirby Yates absorbed the loss after allowing the deciding score in the ninth inning.
Colorado’s bullpen closed out the final outs and secured a victory that showcased the club’s resilience. Antonio Senzatela earned the win after throwing 1 2/3 scoreless innings in relief.
Rockies Continue Encouraging Progress
The victory reflected Colorado’s recent improvement.
The Rockies have already surpassed their pre-All-Star break win total from last season and continue to show signs of growth. Their offense produced timely hits throughout the game, and the club responded effectively each time it faced a deficit.
For the Angels, the loss overshadowed several positive offensive performances. Siri’s grand slam, Soler’s game-tying triple and contributions from Adell and Grissom were not enough to overcome late pitching struggles.
Los Angeles generated eight runs but could not protect the lead when it mattered most.
Up Next
The series continues Tuesday night at Angel Stadium.
Colorado will send right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano to the mound. The Angels are expected to counter with right-hander Grayson Rodriguez as they attempt to even the series and halt Colorado’s momentum.
