The Blue Jays, led by Vladimir Guerrero Jr., defeated the Rockies 7-2 on Aug. 4, 2025. See why Hunter Goodman's 22nd homer is the real story for Colorado.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Another tough night at 20th and Blake saw the Rockies drop the series opener to the Toronto Blue Jays 7-2, extending their losing streak to two. But for the 30-82 ballclub, the final score is becoming secondary to the bigger picture. Monday's game was less about the result and more about the evaluation, a showcase of the young talent the front office is betting the future on.
Hunter's power has been a bright spot for us all year.
The game itself was a familiar story. Starter Tanner Gordon (2-4) battled but couldn't escape the fifth inning, tagged for five runs (four earned) on eight hits. The Blue Jays, led by a 3-for-5, three-RBI performance from Vladimir Guerrero Jr., were relentless. The Rockies' only offense came from two of their core young pieces: a towering solo home run from Hunter Goodman in the fourth and an RBI double from Ezequiel Tovar in the fifth. It wasn't nearly enough to keep pace, as the bullpen surrendered two more runs to seal the defeat.
The undisputed bright spot was Hunter Goodman, who continued his breakout campaign by launching his 22nd home run of the season. The solo shot moves him into the top five among all National League catchers in homers. Goodman is proving to be a legitimate middle-of-the-order power threat, now slashing .279/.342/.511 with 63 RBIs. His development is one of the most compelling reasons to tune in each night.
Win or lose, the lineup card tells the real story. Young players dotted the diamond, with Warming Bernabel at first, Brenton Doyle in center, and Jordan Beck in left. While Doyle was held hitless, his spectacular diving catch in the sixth inning was a reminder of his Gold Glove-caliber defense and the energy this group brings. It’s this daily injection of youth that has become the central theme of the season's second half, a live audition for spots on next year's roster.
The focus on the future extends well beyond the major league roster. The recent trade deadline, which saw veterans Ryan McMahon, Tyler Kinley, and Jake Bird depart, has infused the farm system with new talent. Infielder Roc Riggio and left-handed pitcher Ben Shields, both acquired from the Yankees, have already been assigned to Double-A Hartford. Riggio brings a potent bat (.264 AVG, 18 HR), while Shields boasts a 3.12 ERA and 98 strikeouts. They are key pieces in a strategy focused on building a sustainable winner from within.
While the losses mount, the franchise's direction is clear. Management's public support for manager Bud Black through 2025 underscores a commitment to stability during this rebuild. The immediate future holds more tough games against Toronto, but the long-term view is fixed on players like Goodman, Tovar, and the new prospects in the pipeline. The rest of this season is about finding the bright spots and watching the foundation for a better tomorrow get laid, one game at a time.
