Thairo Estrada's 4 RBIs led the Rockies to a 7-6 win over the Astros on July 3, 2025, as new leadership promises a turnaround. Recap the thrilling victory.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
On a night when the future of the Colorado Rockies was a topic of conversation in the front office, the present-day club delivered a thrilling glimpse of what that future could look like on the field. Thairo Estrada played the hero, launching a two-run homer and driving in four runs to lead the Rockies to a nail-biting 7-6 victory over the Houston Astros, providing the perfect on-field punctuation to a day of significant off-field change.
The goal is to get back to winning.
The atmosphere at 20th and Blake was electric as the Rockies and Astros traded blows all evening. The action started early with Thairo Estrada's two-run shot in the first, setting the tone for a back-and-forth affair. Brenton Doyle added a solo blast of his own, showcasing the power this lineup can possess. While starter Kyle Freeland battled through five innings, allowing four runs in his return from the IL, the bullpen did just enough to hold off a late Astros surge. Estrada's 2-for-4, 4 RBI performance was the difference-maker, and his postgame sentiment echoed the clubhouse mood: 'We needed this win, and I’m glad I could help the team.'
Earlier in the day, the organization announced a significant leadership change, promoting Walker Monfort to Executive Vice President. The 38-year-old Monfort, acknowledging the frustration of two consecutive 100-loss seasons, didn't mince words in his introductory remarks. His simple but powerful declaration that 'The goal is to get back to winning' resonated with a fanbase desperate for a new direction. This move signals a potential shift in philosophy, with Monfort promising fresh approaches to lift the club out of the NL West basement.
The promise of a winning future isn't just talk; it's brewing in the minor leagues. Top prospect Zac Veen is making a compelling case for a call-up, recording his second straight four-hit game for the Triple-A Isotopes. His scorching-hot bat is the headline act for a farm system showing real promise. With recent graduates like Seth Halvorsen and Angel Chivilli already contributing in the bigs and players like Chase Dollander and Adael Amador on the cusp, the foundation for sustained success is being laid, brick by brick.
One thrilling win and one front-office promotion don't erase two years of struggles, but for the first time in a while, there's a tangible sense of forward momentum. With a promising farm system led by a red-hot Zac Veen and a new leadership voice vowing to change the culture, nights like this feel less like an exception and more like a preview. The Rockies have a long way to go, but on a perfect July night at Coors, fans were given a reason to believe again.
