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Rockies Wrap Up First Ever Homestand
What a week in Denver! The Colorado Rockies have officially wrapped up their first homestand in franchise history, and they did it in grand style. After a snowstorm postponed Wednesdays game in the fourth-inning, the Rockies swept a double-header against the New York Mets, finishing their inaugural homestand with an impressive 4-2 record and series wins over the Expos and Mets. The Mile High City is buzzing with a new brand of baseball, and this young team has already given its fans plenty to cheer about.
Rockies Sweep Doubleheader, Show Grit and Power
Game 1: Dunston's Bat Powers Rockies Past Mets 8-4
In the makeup game for Wednesday's snow-out, the Rockies' offense came to play. Shortstop Shawon Dunston was the hero of the day, going a stellar 4-for-5 with a two-run home run in the fourth inning that put the Rockies ahead for good. Dunston finished the game with 3 RBI, earing him player of the game honors.
Shawon Dunston "We can always improve and get better, but we're feeling confident after that win. We showed a lot for grit and fight today."
The Rockies offense was relentless, pounding out 16 hits and getting contributions from throughout the lineup, including a two-run homer from third basemen Jeff Blauser. The bullpen was also strong, with Paul Abbott earning his first career win.
Game 2: Walk-Off Heroics Complete the Sweep
If the first game was about power, the second was pure drama. In a back-and-forth battle, it was none other than Shawon Dunston who delivered the final blow. With the game tied in the bottom of the ninth, Dunston stepped to the plate and drove in the winning run with a walk-off single, sending the crowd of over 35,000 into a frenzy.
The real start of the second game, however, was starter Dwight Gooden. The veteran ace put on a clinic, pitching a complete game to earn his second win of the season. Manager Dusty Rhodes captured the moment perfectly:
Dusty Rhodes: "This place sure got loud. The fans were incredible, and they gave us the push we needed to finish that game."
Local Reaction from Denver's Media
"Mile High Mike" O'Connell, Denver Sports Radio
"A SWEEP! A DOUBLEHEADER SWEEP, PEOPLE! You can't make this stuff up! After that snow-out, the guys came out hungry, and they took care of business. From Dunston's absolute mash in the first game to his clutch walk-off in the second, this team has heart! And what about Doc Gooden?! A complete game! At Mile High! Are you kidding me?! The season is young, but I'm telling you right now, this 4-2 team is for real! LET"S GO ROCKIES!"
Isabelle "Izzy" Garcia, The Denver Post
"The inaugural homestand for the Colorado Rockies was a resounding success, culminating in a doubleheader sweep that will surely be etched into the minds of fans. The team showed remarkable poise in the face of a weather delay and a gritty Mets team, demonstrating a knack for clutch hitting and a deep well of pitching talent. The tandem of established veterans and promising young players is already paying dividends. As the Rockies now hit the road with a winning record, the buzz in Denver is undeniable. This team is building something special, and this first homestand has laid a powerful foundation."
The Rockies now hit the road for a six-game road trip against the Expos and Cardinals. They leave Denver with a winning record and two series wins already under their belt.
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