The Colorado Rockies’ offense found life Wednesday night in front of their home crowd – consisting of a mix between man and man’s best friend, as the franchise hosted their annual Bark in the Park game. The Rockies exploded to defeat the Atlanta Braves by a final score of 17-2 in the third game of a four-game set.
Entering the ballgame, the Rockies’ offense was struggling, having scored no more than three runs in each of their previous eight games. It was an unfamiliar place, as they currently rank second in the National League in runs scored this season.
Wednesday the Rockies returned to form, compiling 18 hits on the night with every starting position player, with the exception of Carlos Gonzalez, recording at least one. From top to bottom the Rockies lineup was a machine, but Trevor Story, Gerardo Parra and Mark Reynolds did most of the heavy lifting, accounting for 14 of the Rockies 17 RBIs between them. Story had two home runs; Reynolds also homered.
That production from the trio was just the second time in Rockies history that at least three players have recorded four RBIs, per Rockies PR.The last time it happened was back on August 11, 1998, vs. the Montreal Expos.
Rockies starter Jon Gray (5-2, 4.74 ERA) was sharp for a majority of the night as Wednesday’s outing marked his 50th career start at the Major League level. Gray was perfect through his first three innings, eventually surrendering just two runs in the sixth inning to earn the win. It was one of Gray’s more complete performances this year, with his final line sitting at 6.0 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 6 SO.
Colorado will wrap up their series with Atlanta Thursday afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 p.m. MDT.
