DENVER — Colorado Rockies outfielder Brenton Doyle couldn’t find the words after his thrilling two-run homer led the Rockies to a jaw-dropping 17-16 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. This comeback was one for the ages, as Colorado clawed back from a staggering nine-run deficit in the first inning.
“Honestly, pretty speechless,” Doyle shared with reporters. “So proud of everyone for never giving up. What a win!”
Pittsburgh set the tone early, with Oneil Cruz hitting a grand slam and Andrew McCutchen following up with a three-run homer in a wild first inning. Yet, the Rockies slowly chipped away at the lead. They scored one run in the first, three in the third, two in the fourth, and four in the fifth, closing the gap from 15-10 to 15-10.
Even when they trailed 16-10, they kept their spirits high. Doyle said, “We kept the energy up. We kept fighting.” Their efforts paid off when they tallied two runs in the eighth and an impressive five in the ninth.
As the ninth inning unfolded, Dennis Santana struck out Ezequiel Tovar, but Hunter Goodman slammed a 425-foot homer, making it 16-13. After Santana walked Jordan Beck and allowed an RBI triple to Warming Bernabel, Thairo Estrada’s single brought in Bernabel, setting the stage for Doyle’s dramatic walk-off shot.
This incredible game marked a rare feat in MLB history. The Rockies became the first team to overcome a nine-run first-inning deficit since the Cleveland Guardians did it in 2006. They are also the first to win after allowing 15 or more runs since the Boston Red Sox’s 19-17 victory over the Texas Rangers in 2008.
In a night filled with offensive fireworks, three MLB games each featured at least 25 combined runs, a rarity not seen since June 23, 1930. Alongside the Rockies’ showdown, the Miami Marlins rallied from a 6-0 deficit to beat the New York Yankees 13-12, while the Milwaukee Brewers dominated the Washington Nationals 16-9.
These high-scoring games highlight a trend where teams are becoming more aggressive offensively. According to a recent study by StatsPerform, league-wide scoring is on the rise, making for some unforgettable moments. Fans on social media couldn’t get enough of the excitement, with many calling it “the wildest game of the season.” This blend of resilience and power reinforces how unpredictable and thrilling baseball can be.
As Doyle aptly put it, “Oh my God, what a game.”
