Rockies stun Nationals 6-4 on June 17, 2025, as Hunter Goodman and Mickey Moniak hit back-to-back ninth-inning homers to seal a dramatic comeback win.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when it felt like another one was slipping away, the Colorado Rockies unleashed some ninth-inning magic on the road. Trailing by a run against the Washington Nationals, Hunter Goodman blasted a game-tying solo shot, his second homer of the night. Before the cheers could even settle, Mickey Moniak followed with a towering two-run bomb, sealing a stunning 6-4 victory that felt like more than just a single win.
Hunter Goodman's 13 home runs not only lead the Rockies, but they also lead all catchers in the National League.
The top of the ninth was pure drama. With the Rockies on the verge of another loss in a season full of them, Hunter Goodman stepped up and crushed his 13th homer of the season to tie the game at 4-4. The dugout was still buzzing when Mickey Moniak, who had already tripled and scored, launched his eighth home run of the year to give Colorado a 6-4 lead they wouldn't relinquish. It was a rare and desperately needed offensive explosion for a team that has struggled to close out games.
Hunter Goodman isn't just a bright spot; he's becoming a star. The Rockies catcher put the team on his back Tuesday, and his performance is no fluke. He now leads the team in nearly every major offensive category: home runs (13), RBIs (43), and batting average (.287). His power display puts him among the elite, ranking 24th in MLB for homers and 23rd for RBIs. In a season marked by historical struggles, Goodman is providing a legitimate reason to tune in every night.
The late-inning heroics wouldn't have been possible without a lockdown performance from the bullpen. Victor Vodnik earned his second win of the season with a clean eighth inning, keeping the deficit at one run. Seth Halvorsen then came on for the save, and while a leadoff walk created some tension, he induced a crucial double play and a groundout to secure his fourth save. After going 6-14 in their last 20 games decided by two runs or fewer, a clutch bullpen outing was a welcome sight.
Beyond the win, the Rockies' offense achieved another small victory: avoiding the MLB record for strikeouts in a three-game span. After fanning a staggering 35 times in the previous two contests, the bats were much more disciplined against Washington, striking out only seven times. It was a marked improvement that kept them from surpassing the all-time record of 52, and hopefully a sign of better plate appearances to come.
One win, no matter how dramatic, doesn't erase a season of struggles. But for one night, the Rockies gave their fans a reason to celebrate. Now, the challenge is to build on it. Antonio Senzatela (1-10, 7.23 ERA) takes the mound tomorrow against the Nationals' Michael Soroka, tasked with securing the team's first back-to-back wins in what feels like an eternity. Can this ninth-inning rally spark a real turnaround? We'll find out tomorrow.
