Rockies Rally in 9th, Stun Guardians 8-6 in Cleveland

Tuesday, July 29th, 2025

In a dramatic comeback Monday night, the Colorado Rockies rallied for four runs in the ninth inning to defeat the Cleveland Guardians 8-6. The game, held on 2025-07-28, saw its first pitch delayed by 2 1/2 hours due to rain, and was ultimately decided when Tyler Freeman singled home the go-ahead run off Cade Smith.

Guardians' Ninth-Inning Collapse

Cade Smith, who had been moved into the closer role earlier in the day following Emmanuel Clase's placement on non-disciplinary paid leave as part of a Major League Baseball investigation into sports betting, struggled in his new role. Smith gave up four runs, only one earned, and recorded just one out after entering the game with a 5-4 lead.

The Rockies scored the tying run on a throwing error by Smith, allowing rookie Warming Bernabel to score from second after his leadoff double. Hunter Goodman further contributed with an RBI double in the ninth, building on his solo homer in the eighth off Hunter Gaddis.

Rockies' Offensive Spark and Pitching

Tyler Freeman was a key offensive force for the Rockies, driving in three runs against his former team. Warming Bernabel continued his strong start to his big league career with his second homer in three games. Bradley Blalock delivered a stellar performance for Colorado, striking out a career-high seven batters over six scoreless innings. The Rockies hold the majors' worst record at 28-78.

On the pitching side for Colorado, Tyler Kinley tossed a scoreless eighth inning, and Seth Halvorsen earned his 11th save despite giving up an RBI single to Nolan Jones in the ninth.

Guardians Briefly Take the Lead

The Guardians had taken a 5-3 lead in the seventh inning with a five-run rally. This surge was highlighted by pinch-hitter Bo Naylor’s three-run homer against Jake Bird. Carlos Santana also contributed by drawing a bases-loaded walk from Victor Vodnik to put Cleveland ahead.

Key Moment

Brenton Doyle laid down a sacrifice bunt with nobody out in the ninth and reached second base safely when Smith threw the ball wildly to first. Doyle ultimately scored the go-ahead run.

Key Stat

The Colorado Rockies sent 10 batters to the plate in the ninth inning against Cade Smith and Tim Herrin, collecting three hits, two walks, and one hit batter.

Up Next

Rockies RHP Tanner Gordon (2-2, 3.13 ERA) is scheduled to face Guardians LHP Logan Allen (6-9, 4.16 ERA) in the middle game of the series on Tuesday.

In summary

The Colorado Rockies secured an 8-6 victory over the Cleveland Guardians on 2025-07-28, highlighted by a dramatic four-run rally in the ninth inning. Tyler Freeman delivered the go-ahead single off new Guardians closer Cade Smith, who struggled after Emmanuel Clase's leave. Key offensive contributions for the Rockies included Freeman's three RBIs, Warming Bernabel's second homer, and Hunter Goodman's late-game hitting. Bradley Blalock pitched six scoreless innings for Colorado. The Guardians had briefly taken a lead in the seventh inning with a five-run surge, featuring Bo Naylor's three-run homer. This late-game comeback marks a significant win for the Rockies, despite their overall season record.

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