The Colorado Rockies closed out June on a high note, edging the Milwaukee Brewers 4–3 in 11 innings to claim their first extra-inning win of the season and halt a five-game losing streak. The victory also marked just their eighth road win of the year.
Schaeffer, Freeman Tossed Early in Heated Third
Tensions rose early at American Family Field, with home plate umpire Ramon de Jesus drawing criticism for questionable calls behind the plate. Right fielder Tyler Freeman voiced his displeasure in the third inning and was promptly ejected. Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer followed suit, earning an ejection of his own while backing up his player.
With both Freeman and Schaeffer out, Sam Hilliard took over in right field, and bench coach Clint Hurdle stepped in to manage. The game marked Hurdle’s first stint managing the Rockies since 2009 and his first time managing any MLB game since 2019 with the Pirates.
Márquez Solid Until Sixth-Inning Missteps
Starting pitcher Germán Márquez delivered five strong innings, continuing a recent stretch of dominance in which he had allowed just one earned run over his last three starts. But trouble surfaced in the bottom of the sixth. With one out, Sal Frelick crushed a center-cut fastball to right for Milwaukee’s first run. Moments later, Christian Yelich homered on a low fastball, tying the game 2–2 and sending Márquez to the dugout visibly frustrated.
Márquez finished with five strikeouts, three walks, and two earned runs allowed across 5 2⁄3 innings.
Bullpen Stands Tall Through the Chaos
The Rockies’ bullpen was called into action early and stepped up in a big way. Jake Bird, Juan Mejia, and Seth Halvorsen teamed up to pitch 3 1⁄3 shutout innings and push the game into extras.
Victor Vodnik took the mound in the tenth and allowed the tying run on a wild pitch. Despite appearing to battle an issue with his eyes, he held on, even touching 101 mph on the radar gun. Tyler Kinley came in for the 11th and relied almost exclusively on sliders to close out the win, picking up his third save of the season.
Rockies End Scoring Drought Just in Time
Colorado’s offense had been silent since the eighth inning of Friday’s game — a span that stretched into the eighth inning of Sunday’s contest. But the bats eventually came alive when Ryan McMahon reached on an infield single and advanced on an error. Brenton Doyle followed with a double that plated McMahon for a 1–0 lead.
After falling behind 2–1, the Rockies tied it up in the top of the ninth thanks to a clutch solo home run from backup shortstop Orlando Arcia. Sam Hilliard gave the Rockies a brief 3–2 lead in the tenth, only for the Brewers to respond. But in the 11th, it was Kyle Farmer who broke the deadlock, driving in Hilliard with a single that proved to be the game-winner.
What’s Next
The Rockies will get a day off Monday before kicking off a three-game homestand against the Houston Astros. Tuesday night’s matchup will feature a rookie showdown: Colorado’s Chase Dollander will face Houston left-hander Colton Gordon. First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 PM Mountain Time.
See also:
Kremer Dominates Again as Rays Close Road Trip with 5-1 Loss to Orioles
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Houston Astros Pursue Cedric Mullins as Deadline Target Amid Push for Playoff Balance
Solano and Garver Lead Mariners to 6-4 Extra-Inning Victory Over Rangers
Kremer Dominates Again as Rays Close Road Trip with 5-1 Loss to Orioles
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