BREAK: 22-years old superstar hits shocking target to lift Rockies to victory over Cardinals
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Ezequiel Tovar powered the Colorado Rockies to a 6-5 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday, hitting two home runs and two singles while driving in four runs.
This marked Tovar’s second multihomer game of the season and his 15th multihit game since May 1.
“Today was a refreshing change after yesterday,” Tovar said through a translator, reflecting on his 0 for 5 performance on Friday. “Winning always feels good, especially in this tough league.”
Charlie Blackmon contributed three hits and scored a run for the Rockies, who recorded their 15th comeback win of the season. This was only the second time this season that Colorado has won two games in a series.
Victor Vodnik (1-0) earned his second career win by pitching 1 2/3 innings of relief. Tyler Kinley secured his fourth save, and his second in this series, by pitching a scoreless ninth inning.
“Winning takes a team effort,” said Colorado manager Bud Black. “You need everyone in the bullpen to do their jobs. Kinley gave up a double, but managed to finish strong.”
Matt Carpenter homered and scored twice for the Cardinals.
Rockies starter Ryan Feltner, despite not earning his first win since April 12, pitched 5 1/3 innings without giving up an earned run. He allowed two hits, walked one, and struck out seven, crediting catcher Jacob Stallings for his performance.
“I trusted him completely today, and he guided me well,” said Feltner, who entered with a 6.22 ERA. “I made key pitches when necessary. There are positives to build on from today.”
The Rockies added three runs in the seventh off reliever Andrew Kittredge (0-3). Brenton Doyle’s single drove in Blackmon, and Tovar’s second homer, both off breaking balls with two strikes, scored two more.
“I’ve been in this position often,” Tovar said. “I feel confident with two strikes.”
Carpenter hit a solo homer in the seventh, moving past Matt Holiday for 12th in franchise history with 157 career home runs.
St. Louis scored four unearned runs in the sixth to take a 4-3 lead. Paul Goldschmidt’s fielder’s choice allowed three runners to score due to an error. Following Carpenter’s walk and Dylan Carlson’s single, Alec Burleson loaded the bases on a mishandled grounder by second baseman Alan Trejo. Goldschmidt then grounded to first, but Elehuris Montero’s throw to second initiated a double play attempt that went into left field, letting three runners score. Goldschmidt scored on a two-out single by Nolan Arenado.
In the first inning, Tovar’s single scored Blackmon, who had singled, stolen second, and advanced to third on catcher Iván Herrera’s throwing error. Tovar’s single ended an 0-for-9 slump.
“We need to tighten up our defense,” St. Louis manager Oliver Marmol said. “We’re making too many mistakes.”
St. Louis starter Kyle Gibson escaped a one-out, bases-loaded situation in the third by getting Ryan McMahon to ground into an inning-ending double play.
“I wasn’t as sharp as I have been recently,” Gibson said. “It wasn’t my best outing.”
Colorado extended their lead to 3-0 in the sixth with Tovar’s leadoff homer and Jake Cave’s two-out single.
“It seems like pitchers are trying to get Tovar out with breaking balls,” Black said. “He’s got power and had a good day.”
**TRANSACTIONS**
Rockies: Selected RHP Geoff Hartlieb from Triple-A Albuquerque. Designated RHP Matt Carasiti for assignment; he has a 10.38 ERA in 8 2/3 innings and seven appearances this season.
**TRAINER’S ROOM**
Rockies: 2B Brendan Rodgers (left hamstring) was out of the lineup after injuring himself running out a groundball on Friday.
Cardinals: LHP Steven Matz (lower back strain) will make his second rehab start with Double-A Springfield on Tuesday, expected to throw 40 pitches.
**UP NEXT**
Rockies LHP Ty Blach (2-3, 4.54) will make his sixth start since joining the rotation on May 12. He allowed a season-high 10 hits and four runs in his last start, a 4-1 loss to the Reds. The Cardinals have not yet announced a starter.