Ryan Ritter's debut triple wasn't enough as the Rockies fell 4-2 to the Mets on June 6. Read how the rookie offered hope amidst a tough 2025 season.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
In a season defined by frustration and a brutal 12-51 record, a single swing of the bat can feel like a seismic event. On Friday night, shortstop Ryan Ritter provided that tremor, lacing a triple in his very first Major League at-bat. While the moment of individual triumph wasn't enough to prevent another loss to the formidable New York Mets, it offered a much-needed glimpse of a potentially brighter future for the struggling Colorado Rockies.
In his very first Major League at-bat, shortstop Ryan Ritter laced a triple, injecting a rare dose of excitement into Coors Field.
Called up to inject life into a lineup missing the injured Ezequiel Tovar, the 'ascendant' Ryan Ritter did not disappoint. Stepping into the box for his first taste of big-league pitching, he delivered the kind of highlight fans have been desperate for. The triple was more than just a hit; it was a statement that new talent is arriving and ready to compete. For a team with a dismal 6-23 record at home, Ritter's debut was a welcome distraction and a reason to watch.
Despite Ritter's heroics, the Rockies ultimately fell 4-2, extending a painful home losing streak. However, the loss featured an intriguing strategic shift. The team used Ryan Rolison as an 'opener' before bringing in Antonio Senzatela, who has struggled in first innings this season. The gambit partially worked; Senzatela pitched four scoreless frames, though he battled his control, issuing four walks. Offensively, Mickey Moniak did his part, launching a solo homer off Mets ace Kodai Senga and later adding a game-tying RBI single, but the rally fell short.
While the team's record is grim, a few key bats are providing consistent production. Ryan McMahon continues to be a steady presence, leading the team with nine doubles, six homers, and 17 RBIs on the season. More recently, Hunter Goodman has been on a tear. Over his last 10 games, Goodman has been one of the hottest hitters in baseball, going 11-for-34 with two doubles, a triple, and three home runs. His surge, combined with McMahon's consistency, forms the core of an offense that needs all the help it can get.
The backdrop to Friday's game is the harsh reality of the Rockies' situation. The loss halted a modest three-game winning streak and underscored their struggles at Coors Field. The infirmary remains crowded, with key players like Ezequiel Tovar (oblique) and Kris Bryant (lumbar) on the IL, alongside a number of pitchers. Facing the 40-24 Mets is a daunting task for any team, let alone one trying to find its footing with a patchwork roster.
As the Rockies prepare to face the Mets again today at Coors Field, the question remains: can these individual sparks of brilliance ignite a larger fire? A flashy debut, a hot hitter, and a new pitching wrinkle are all positive signs, but this team needs to string them together to break the home-field curse and give the fanbase something more substantial to cheer for. One thing is for sure, all eyes will be on Ryan Ritter to see what he does for an encore.
