Rockies crush Braves 10-1 on June 15, 2025, as Ryan McMahon's homer and Braxton Fulford's 5 RBIs fuel a stunning six-run inning. Recap the upset.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
In a season that has tested the patience of even the most die-hard fans, the Colorado Rockies delivered a stunning display of offensive power on Sunday, dismantling the Atlanta Braves 10-1. For a team sitting at 14-57, this wasn't just a win; it was an exclamation point, a cathartic release fueled by a spectacular six-run seventh inning that left Truist Park stunned.
Rookie catcher Braxton Fulford led the charge, going 2-for-2 with a career-high 5 RBIs and a walk.
For six innings, it was a tense 1-1 pitcher's duel, with Braves starter Grant Holmes baffling Rockies hitters to the tune of 15 strikeouts. Then came the seventh. Ryan McMahon stepped to the plate and launched a go-ahead solo home run to center, breaking the tie and opening the floodgates. The Rockies never looked back, piling on five more runs in the frame. The rally was a full team effort, capped by a bases-loaded walk from Braxton Fulford and a two-run double from Jordan Beck that blew the game wide open.
While McMahon provided the spark, rookie catcher Braxton Fulford was the engine of the offense. Fulford had a career day, driving in a staggering five runs on two hits and a crucial bases-loaded walk in the seventh. It was a breakout performance for the young backstop, showcasing the kind of clutch hitting and plate discipline the team desperately needs as it builds for the future. He was the unquestioned star of the game.
On the mound, it was a tag-team effort. Jake Bird was credited with his second win of the season, though it came with a blown save after he allowed the tying run in the sixth. But thanks to the massive run support, it was a mere footnote. The pitching staff did enough to keep the Braves at bay, and Bird ultimately benefited from being in the right place at the right time when the Rockies' bats came alive. It's a testament to the old baseball adage: a win is a win, no matter how you get it.
Days like this, powered by a rookie like Fulford, naturally turn thoughts toward the future. While the big-league club enjoyed a rare blowout, top prospects in the farm system continue to develop. Shortstop Ryan Ritter has been tearing the cover off the ball with a .918 OPS in May, while pitcher Gabriel Hughes is making a strong comeback from Tommy John surgery. While no roster moves are imminent, their progress offers a beacon of hope that more impact talent is on the way.
This 10-1 drubbing of a quality Braves team is a reminder of what this Rockies team can be. While one win doesn't erase a 14-57 record, the explosive offense and standout performance from a young player like Braxton Fulford provide a much-needed morale boost. It's a building block, a flash of the potential that the front office is banking on. As the team looks ahead, fans can savor this victory and hope it's a sign of more exciting days to come.