Rockies Rally Past Guardians: Key 7th Inning Decides Wild Finish

By Oliver Wiener July 29, 2025 10:38

The Colorado Rockies rallied past the Cleveland Guardians in a dramatic, wild finish on July 28, 2025, winning 8-6 in a game decided by a critical seventh inning and an explosive ninth inning late rally at Progressive Field. The contest, delayed by 2.5 hours due to rain, ultimately showcased the Rockies’ resilience and timely hitting as they overcame a mid-game deficit to steal victory on the road.

The Guardians entered the seventh inning holding a narrow 5-3 lead over the Rockies. Bo Naylor ignited Cleveland’s surge with a towering 406-foot home run to right center, driving in two runs that temporarily swung momentum in the Guardians’ favor. Cleveland’s offense appeared poised to hold their advantage as they added another run to go up 6-3. However, the Rockies demonstrated their fighting spirit with a decisive rally of their own.

Colorado’s comeback was spearheaded by Tyler Freeman, who delivered a clutch single in the ninth inning, driving in the go-ahead run off Guardians’ reliever Cade Smith. Freeman’s key at-bat capped a furious four-run ninth inning that dramatically overturned the Guardians’ lead. Freeman’s night was notable overall, finishing with three RBIs and a .306 batting average this season, underscoring his importance to the Rockies' lineup.

The Rockies’ 9th-inning surge was capitalized on by a combination of aggressive baserunning and timely hits. Nolan Bernabel, who added a vital home run earlier in the game and boasts a .364 average, scored on a throwing error to energize the rally. The relentless Colorado offense exploited two crucial errors by Guardians pitcher Cade Smith, which led directly to multiple runs and ultimately sealed the victory.

On the mound, Rockies starter Brandon Blalock provided a solid foundation, pitching six scoreless innings and striking out seven, despite the team’s offensive struggles earlier in the contest. The bullpen faced challenges but managed to contain the Guardians long enough to allow the offense to mount the comeback. Guardians relievers struggled in the late innings, allowing Colorado’s rally to unfold, with Smith taking the loss after surrendering four runs (only one earned) on two hits and two walks in less than an inning of work.

Postgame, Rockies manager highlighted the team’s persistence: “This team never quits, no matter the scoreboard. Our guys kept believing, kept battling, and it paid off big time in the seventh and ninth. Tyler Freeman was phenomenal. That’s the kind of effort that wins you ballgames,” he said. Similarly, Freeman reflected on the walk-off single: “We all knew it wasn’t over. Coming through in that moment felt incredible, and the energy from the dugout just lifted me up.”

Statistically, this game illustrated some distinct trends for both teams. While the Guardians struggled with defensive execution down the stretch, the Rockies showcased enough offensive depth to capitalize on opportunities. Colorado’s season remains a challenge with a sub-.300 winning percentage, but performances like this demonstrate the potential within their young core.

In summary, the Rockies’ 8-6 victory over the Guardians was defined by a key seventh inning that briefly put Cleveland ahead and a decisive ninth inning where Colorado’s offense exploded. The game was a testament to fundamental baseball timely hitting, capitalizing on errors, and perseverance under pressure. With this win, the Rockies continue to show signs of growth, while the Guardians will look to tighten late-game execution moving forward.