Cristian Pache delivered a walk-off single with one out in the 10th inning following Bryce Harper’s remarkable catch in the top of the frame, leading the Philadelphia Phillies to a 2-1 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Monday night.
In the ninth inning, Colorado Rockies’ left-hander Kyle Freeland seemed to hurt his right, non-throwing shoulder while serving as a pinch-runner. However, manager Bud Black assured that Freeland was fine after the game.
Harper also contributed with an RBI single. Seranthony Domínguez (1-0) pitched a flawless 10th inning. Harper’s acrobatic catch of Elehuris Montero’s liner prevented automatic runner Nolan Jones from scoring from second base.
“He reached up there to grab that one,” commented Phillies second baseman Bryston Stott. “It was a crucial play.”
Starting with Stott positioned on second base in the bottom of the frame, Whit Merrifield advanced him to third with a sacrifice bunt. Jake Bird (0-1) induced pinch-hitter Alec Bohm to ground out to the drawn-in shortstop, before Pache smashed the first pitch he faced to right field, bringing home Stott.
Pache entered the game as a pinch-runner for slugger Kyle Schwarber in the eighth inning. He had prepared in the batting cage hitting sinkers, and when Bird threw a 97 mph sinker, Pache was ready.
“We got exactly what we expected and made solid contact,” Pache remarked through an interpreter.
After ending last season with a club-record 103 losses, Colorado continued to struggle with a 4-13 record. The Rockies have only scored the first run in a game once this season. “It was a difficult game,” Black commented. “But both teams played well.”
Monday’s game took place on a beautiful, windless evening with temperatures at 77 degrees, following several cold and rainy nights to begin the Philadelphia home season.
Freeland, Colorado’s opening-day starter, entered the game tied 1-1 with two outs after Elias Diaz doubled. He advanced to third on a wild pitch by Jeff Hoffman and attempted to score on another Hoffman pitch that got past catcher J.T. Realmuto.
However, Realmuto threw to Hoffman covering home plate, who tagged out Freeland. The Rockies’ pitcher immediately grabbed his right shoulder, which he used to brace himself during the slide, and left the field with a Colorado trainer.
Replays confirmed the outcall made by home-plate umpire D.J. Rayburn on the field. There was also discussion about whether Hoffman illegally blocked the plate with his foot during the play.
“The home-plate umpire saw it as a collision between two players trying to make a play,” Black explained. “It was a very close play.”
The Rockies faced shortages with Kris Bryant, Brendan Rodgers, and Jake Cave sidelined due to back stiffness and illness. Only backup catcher Jacob Stallings was available off the bench. So, Black turned to Freeland.
“We’re trying to win the game,” Black said. “Kyle is an athlete. He’s hit. He’s run. He’s one of our fastest players.”
Freeland has struggled with a 0-3 record and a 13.21 ERA. He is not expected to pitch in this three-game series. He was working out and not available to speak to reporters afterward.
On Jackie Robinson Day, every player on both teams wore the No. 42 on their jerseys in honor of Robinson’s breaking of the color barrier in baseball on April 15, 1947.
Philadelphia threatened in the eighth inning when Schwarber walked and advanced to second on a wild pitch by Jalen Beeks. However, Beeks struck out Trea Turner and got Harper to fly out to right field. Manager Bud Black then replaced Beeks with Nick Mears, who induced Realmuto to line out to center field.
