Rockies fall to Diamondbacks 4-3 on June 20, 2025, after a bullpen collapse erases Michael Toglia's 11th-inning heroics. Read how another one slipped away.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It's a story Rockies fans know all too well this season. A moment of pure elation, a glimpse of victory, followed by the familiar sting of defeat. Michael Toglia's clutch go-ahead single in the 11th inning on Friday night felt like it might finally be the breakthrough, but it was just a setup for another bullpen collapse as the Rockies fell 4-3 to the Diamondbacks at Coors Field.
The loss drops the Rockies to a staggering 17-57, keeping them on pace for one of the worst records in modern baseball history.
The series opener against Arizona was a classic Coors Field nail-biter that went the wrong way. After trading blows for ten innings, Michael Toglia stepped up in the 11th and delivered what should have been the game-winning single. The dugout erupted, the fans who stuck around went wild, but the lead was short-lived. The bullpen, a persistent source of frustration, couldn't lock it down, handing the Diamondbacks the 4-3 win. Despite the loss, Hunter Goodman continued his strong campaign, maintaining his team-leading .285 average and 14 home runs, proving to be one of the few consistent offensive threats.
The bright spot on the mound was the return of Austin Gomber. Making his second start of 2025, the left-hander showed poise following his impressive five-shutout-inning performance in Atlanta. While he didn't get the win, having a veteran presence back in the rotation is a crucial development for a pitching staff that has been battered all year. His ability to provide stable innings could be a key factor in at least keeping the team competitive.
This loss wasn't just another tick in the 'L' column; it was a reminder of the historic futility of this 2025 campaign. Now 17-57, the team's struggles run deep. The managerial change to Warren Schaeffer (now 10-24) has failed to spark a turnaround. While advanced metrics show the pitching staff isn't historically awful—ranking between 25th and 29th in MLB rather than dead last—it's cold comfort. When combined with a lackluster offense and shaky defense, it's the recipe for a season that is testing the patience of even the most loyal fans.
For fans looking for a reason to believe, the answer lies in the minor leagues. The farm system is stocked with potential sluggers who could reshape the franchise's future. Outfielders Charlie Condon, the third overall pick in 2024, and Robert Calaz, a Triple Crown winner in the ACL, represent the kind of impact bats the big-league club desperately needs. With Yanquiel Fernandez also making noise at Double-A and potentially eyeing a late-season debut, the future may be far brighter than the present.
Another painful loss is in the books, encapsulating the frustration of 2025. Yet, between Austin Gomber's steadying presence on the mound and the promise of power brewing in the farm system, there are still reasons to watch. The Rockies will look to bounce back tomorrow and avoid another series loss. The question remains: can they find a way to hold a lead and give their fans something to cheer about at Coors Field?
