Michael Toglia's 5th-inning homer powered the Rockies past the White Sox 6-4 on July 6. Moniak also starred as Colorado avoided a sweep in a battle of baseball's worst.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
In a season short on bright spots, Sunday at Coors Field felt like a genuine ray of sunshine. Facing a sweep at the hands of the only team with a worse record, the Colorado Rockies dug deep, powered by Michael Toglia and Mickey Moniak, to pull out a 6-4 victory over the Chicago White Sox. It wasn't just a win; it was a much-needed sigh of relief for a team and a fanbase desperate for something to cheer about.
Nine of their 10 home wins have come in the final game of a series after dropping the first two.
The offense provided the sparks from the very beginning. Mickey Moniak, continuing his solid season, led off the first inning with a home run and was a double shy of the cycle by the end of the day. He added a crucial two-run triple in the fifth inning. But the game's biggest moment belonged to Michael Toglia, who broke a 4-4 tie in the fifth with a towering two-run homer that proved to be the game-winner. The blast came off White Sox All-Star Shane Smith, who took the loss after being roughed up for five runs. On the mound, Zach Agnos earned the win in relief, and Seth Halvorsen locked down his eighth save of the season with a clean ninth inning.
This victory was about more than just the box score. By beating the White Sox, the Rockies (now 21-69) avoided tying the record for the most losses through the first 90 games of a modern MLB season. It also snapped a frustrating losing streak and prevented a sweep in a series many had dubbed the 'Battle of the Basement.' In a bizarre but telling trend, the win marked the ninth time this season (out of 10 total home victories) that the Rockies have won the final game of a home series after losing the first two. It's a stat that speaks to the team's resilience, even when the odds are stacked against them.
While the big-league club fought for a win, the future of the organization continued to shine in the minor leagues. Top prospect Robert Calaz launched his ninth home run of the season, showcasing the power that has scouts so excited. Meanwhile, Ezequiel Tovar reminded everyone of his slick glove by helping turn a double play, and pitcher Michael Prosecky made a highlight-reel play by snagging a comebacker behind his back. These moments are crucial reminders that while the present is a struggle, there is a core of talent developing in the farm system.
One win doesn't erase a 21-69 record, but Sunday's victory was a reminder of what this team can be when the bats come alive. It was a day for young players like Moniak and Toglia to step up and a day to avoid the wrong kind of history. As the team moves on, fans can hold onto this feeling and keep an eye on the burgeoning talent in the minors, hoping that more Sundays like this one are on the horizon.
