With apologies to Charles Dickens: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Then again, it was the best of times.”
The Rockies blew leads of 6-0 and 7-2, but rallied to beat the Phillies 9-7 in 11 innings on Friday night at Citizens Bank Park. The big hits came from pinch-hitter Troy Johnston, who hit a double to right to score ghost runner Willi Castro, and Jake McCarthy, who drove in Johnston with a single to center.
Right-handed reliever Juan Mejia gave up an infield single to Justin Crawford in the bottom of the frame, but he handled the top of the Phillies’ order. Mejia got Trea Turner to fly out to right, struck out dangerous slugger Kyle Schwarber, and induced Bryce Harper to ground out to second baseman Edouard Julien to secure his second save of the season.
Key moments: Colorado scored five runs on five hits in the fourth. The first seven hitters reached base, chasing left-handed starter Jesus Luzardo from the game. Hunter Goodman’s two-run home run and third baseman Kyle Karros’ two-run double were the key hits of the inning.
The Phillies trailed 7-2 after Rockies’ right fielder Tyler Freeman hit a solo blast in the seventh inning, but the Phillies rallied for five runs in the bottom of the eighth to tie the game. Philly’s big hits were a two-run double by Bryson Stott and a two-run homer off, both off Rockies right-hander Jimmy Herget.
Who’s hot: Goodman went 4 for 5 and hit a two-run homer in the fourth off Luzardo. It was Goodman’s 10th home run.
Second baseman Willi Castro has shaken off a slow start, increasing his average to .257. He had a single and a stolen base in the second, and put down a perfect bunt single in the fourth.
McCarthy is slashing .367/.434/.671 over his last 21 games since April 5. He’s reached base safely in 19 of his 20 games with five doubles, two triples, and two home runs.
Who’s not: Jordan Beck, who started in left field and led off, went 0 for 3 with two strikeouts. He drew a walk to open the game and came around to score. But Beck is hitting just .164 with a .489 OPS.
Worth noting: Manager Warren Schaeffer chose not to use an opener for right-hander Chase Dollander, who pitched an uneven but effective 5 2/3 innings. The right-hander gave up two runs on just three hits — including a leadoff home run in the sixth by Schwarber — and struck out five, but also walked five. Dollander improved to 4-2 and trimmed his ERA to 3.35.
Pitching probables
Saturday: Rockies LHP Kyle Freeland (1-3, 5.04 ERA) at Phillies RHP Aaron Nola (2-3, 5.06), 4:05 p.m.
Sunday: Rockies RHP Tomoyuki Sugano (3-2, 3.41) at Phillies LHP Cristopher Sánchez (3-2, 2.42), 4:05 p.m.
Monday: Off day.
