Hunter Goodman stole the spotlight Friday night as the Colorado Rockies rallied to defeat the Chicago Cubs 9-5, with Goodman blasting two home runs, including a decisive grand slam in the eighth inning.
Goodman, a rookie catcher and outfielder contributing to the Rockies’ youth movement, recorded three hits and a career-high seven RBIs. His performance marked the first seven-RBI game for the Rockies since Elías Díaz achieved the feat in September 2022 against Arizona.
“They’re making a statement, showing they belong at this level, and nights like this help Goodie’s case,” Rockies manager Bud Black said. “He’s got power. It showed up in the minors, and now he’s got 11 homers here in about 150 at-bats. He’s doing his thing, so good for Hunter.”
Ezequiel Tovar hit his 23rd home run of the season, while Brendan Rodgers contributed with an RBI double for the Rockies, who snapped a six-game losing streak against the Cubs. The loss puts Chicago six games behind the Mets in the race for the third NL Wild Card spot.
Michael Busch provided a highlight for the Cubs with three hits, including a three-run homer in the eighth inning off Rockies reliever Victor Vodnik (4-3), tying the game at 5-5. Isaac Paredes also chipped in with three hits for Chicago.
But the Rockies quickly regained control in the bottom of the eighth. Ryan McMahon singled off Cubs reliever Drew Smyly (3-7) to start the rally, followed by a walk to Rodgers and a single by Michael Toglia, loading the bases. Nate Pearson relieved Smyly, only for Goodman to hammer his second homer of the night—a grand slam, sealing the Cubs’ fate.
“There was some frustration after the top of the eighth when we gave up the lead,” Goodman said. “But we rallied together. We had a great offensive night, not just me. There were a lot of big hits that set up that grand slam. It was just a great night overall.”
Rockies starter Austin Gomber, back from paternity leave after welcoming his third child, went six innings, allowing two runs on nine hits.
The Cubs struck early with two runs in the first inning, courtesy of Cody Bellinger’s RBI single that brought in Ian Happ and Dansby Swanson. But the Rockies answered with a three-run second inning, featuring Rodgers’ RBI double and Goodman’s 430-foot two-run homer. Colorado added another run in the fourth on Goodman’s RBI single and went up 5-2 after Tovar’s solo shot in the seventh.
Injury Updates
Rockies: Outfielder Kris Bryant’s season appears in jeopardy, as his recovery from a back strain has slowed significantly, according to manager Bud Black. Bryant, who has missed 104 of the Rockies’ 148 games this season, was placed on the 10-day injured list in August due to recurring back issues. “He’s not real close” to returning, Black said. “It’s increasingly possible Kris’ season will be over.”
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