Ryan Howard’s Walk-Off Three-Run Home Run Leads Philadelphia Phillies Past Colorado Rockies

Colorado Rockies first baseman Justin Morneau would continue his dominance off of Roberto Hernandez (formerly known as Fausto Carmona) as he drilled a first-pitch fastball to right field for his 10th home run of the season, giving the Rockies the early 1-0 lead. A couple of minutes later after a Corey Dickerson walk, Wilin Rosario would drive a pitch in the left-center gap for an RBI double to take a 2-0 lead in the third.

Philadelphia would answer back in the bottom half of the inning as Ryan Howard collected an RBI single to right, scoring Chase Utley to cut the Rockies lead to one. Rockies starter Jordan Lyles would bounce back in the inning, striking out Domonic Brown to end the frame.

Philadelphia would scratch another run in the bottom half of the fifth as outfielder Marlon Byrd would single to shallow left, scoring Ben Revere to tie the game up at two apiece.

Rockies starter Jordan Lyles put together another solid start but pitch count was an issue. He would last just five innings, giving up five hits, two runs, four walks, while striking out five.

Colorado would have a golden chance in the seventh inning, loading the bases with no outs as they would pinch-hit both Carlos Gonzalez and Troy Tulowitzki. Gonzalez would ground into a 1-2-3 double-play, followed by Troy Tulowitzki striking out to end the frame, leaving Rockies fans scratching their heads. Up to that point, Colorado stranded 13 on base, going 0-for-12 with runners in scoring position.

Fortunately for the Rockies, DJ LeMahieu picked the right time for his first home run of the season as he clubbed one into the bleachers in left to put the Rockies up 3-2 in the eighth.

Colorado would completely lose focus in the ninth, led by errors from Josh Rutledge and Troy Tulowitzki to set the Phillies up in prime position. After LaTroy Hawkins got Jimmy Rollins to line out for the second out of the inning, Walt Weiss pulled Hawkins for the lefty Boone Logan to face Chase Utley; who was 1-for-6 vs. Logan with three strikeouts.

Utley would single to shallow right, scoring Tony Gwynn Jr tying the game at three while placing runners at second and third with two outs. Ryan Howard would deliver a walk-off three run shot to center, lifting the Phillies to a 6-3 win.

Notable Rockies Hitters:

• DJ LeMahieu: 1-for-5, HR.
• Justin Morneau: 2-for-4, 2B, RBI.
• Michael Cuddyer: 2-for-4.

Rockies Pitching:

• Jordan Lyles: 5.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 5 SO. 103 pitches, 56 strikes.
• Matt Belisle: 1.0 IP, 1 SO.
• Rex Brothers (W, 3-2): 1.0 IP, 1 H.
• Nick Masset: 1.0 IP, 1 SO.
• LaTroy Hawkins:  0.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R.
• Boone Logan: 0.0 IP, 2 R, 2 ER.

The Colorado Rockies (28-25) fall to the Philadelphia Phillies, 6-3. Colorado will open a three-game set to finish off their nine-game road trip Friday night against the Cleveland Indians. Juan Nicasio (5-2, 3.61 ERA) will take the hill in game one as the Indians counter with Corey Kluber (5-3, 3.10 ERA). First-pitch will be scheduled for 7:05 PM ET, 5:05 PM MT.