Charlie Blackmon contributed three RBIs and three runs in one of his final professional games, while Michael Toglia added three hits and two RBIs, helping the Colorado Rockies secure a 10-8 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday, avoiding a sweep.
Ezequiel Tovar’s two-run double tied the game and sparked a five-run eighth inning for the Rockies, who had previously lost five of their last six games.
This double marked Tovar’s 45th of the season, leading the National League. Ryan McMahon then hit a double that brought Tovar home for the winning run.
“I think you just never know what’s going to happen at Coors Field,” Blackmon said. “I told the guys that was a Coors Field grinder. We’ve seen that game before, over and over. You’ve got to make sure you never quit. You never know what could happen.”
Tovar, McMahon, Jake Cave, and Aaron Schunk each had two hits. McMahon entered the game with a .192 batting average over his last 54 games since being the Rockies’ sole representative at the All-Star Game.
To avoid a second 100-loss season in the franchise’s 31-year history, the Rockies need to win two out of three games against the Los Angeles Dodgers this weekend.
“It’s on the forefront of everybody’s mind,” McMahon said. “We’ve all talked about it. That’s the goal. It’s not a great spot to be in, but it’s the spot we’re in, so might as well make the most of it.”
Blackmon’s two-run homer in the second inning was the 227th of his 14-year career, tying him with Carlos Gonzalez for fifth in franchise history.
The 38-year-old Blackmon announced on Monday that he would retire at the end of the season. His three RBIs were his highest in a game since May 27. His father threw out the ceremonial first pitch, which was a strike.
“I think I’d like to be able to enjoy this, these last three games,” Blackmon said. “I don’t have any goals except for the fact I want to remember as much as I can and enjoy it.”
