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Austin Gomber dominates, Ryan McMahon blasts game-winning homer as Rockies outlast A’s in 12 innings

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Austin Gomber dominates, Ryan McMahon blasts game-winning homer as Rockies outlast A’s in 12 innings


Amid a lost season, the Rockies’ best pitcher and best position player carried Colorado to victory on Wednesday night in Oakland.

Austin Gomber carved up the Athletics, throwing eight innings of one-run ball while continuing to look the part of Colorado’s ace. Then, Ryan McMahon — making a strong case for his first all-star nod — blasted the game-winning, two-run homer in the 12th for a 4-3 victory at the Oakland Coliseum.

“(Gomber) was brilliant,” Rockies manager Bud Black told reporters. “Changing speeds, confidence, ball-strike ratio off the charts, no walks, quick innings early, efficient. Eight innings — you don’t see that a lot in today’s game.”

After Charlie Blackmon’s single to open the game in front of a sparse crowd, Elias Diaz gave the Rockies a 2-0 lead with his two-out, two-run, 401-foot homer to center off Oakland right-hander Mitch Spence.

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With that buffer, Gomber set the first 10 Oakland batters down, and was on cruise control until center fielder JJ Bleday’s solo homer to right-center put the A’s on the board and cut the score to 2-1.

But that proved to be just a blip for Gomber, who quickly settled back in to steer the Rockies to snapping a four-game slide.

The southpaw entered the game with a sparkling 0.48 ERA in three May starts, and he continued that recent trend of domination throughout the game. It’s the version of Gomber the Rockies believed they were getting when they acquired the southpaw as the centerpiece of the trade for Nolan Arenado ahead of the 2021 season.

Gomber set the A’s down in order in the fifth and the sixth before working around a pair of singles in the seventh. After setting Oakland down in order again in the eighth, Gomber was at just 90 pitches, but Black elected to go to the bullpen.

“I think at that point, it was time to make the change, and he felt so too,” Black said.

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The southpaw lowered his overall ERA to 2.76 with the outing, the latest stellar showing as Gomber continues to be a bright spot in the Rockies’ rough season. He and right-hander Cal Quantrill have carried Colorado’s rotation.

Gomber allowed five hits, with no walks, six strikeouts and 10 groundball outs. He located his fastball and was also effective with his knuckle-curve and changeup, inducing 12 swing-and-misses overall.

Colorado Rockies pitcher Austin Gomber reacts after Oakland Athletics’ Tyler Nevin lined out to end the seventh inning of a baseball game in Oakland, Calif., Wednesday, May 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

A day after the Colorado bullpen blew the game in a 5-4 Oakland win in the series opener, southpaw Jalen Beeks came on looking for his fifth save of the season. But Beeks allowed a single to Brent Rooker and then walked Khris Davis with two outs, leading to Zack Gelof’s line drive single to center over the outstretched glove of a leaping Brendan Rodgers at second base.

That tied the game 2-2, but Beeks averted giving away the game completely by getting Colorado’s first-round pick from 2015, Tyler Nevin, to fly out to right field to force extras.

Beeks’ walk of Davis on four pitches to extend Oakland’s inning and pave the way for Gelof’s game-tying single underscored a continued troubling trend for the Rockies bullpen, which ranked last in the majors with a 12.2% walk rate entering the game.

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In the 10th, the Rockies failed to score their California runner, pinch-runner Alan Trejo, after Rodgers grounded out to right-hander Lucas Erceg, Kris Bryant K’d and then Brenton Doyle also grounded out to Erceg.

Victor Vodnik came on to pitch the bottom half of the inning, and with his heater consistently sitting at 100 miles per hour, the right-hander stranded the game-winning run on third base to take the game to the 11th.

Colorado’s offense flailed again in that frame, as right-hander Austin Adams struck out the side in Jordan Beck, Hunter Goodman and Jake Cave to leave Doyle standing on second. But right-hander Nick Mears matched that feat in the bottom of the 11th, fanning the Oakland side.

Finally, McMahon allowed Colorado to break through in the 12th with his towering, 401-foot homer to right-center. The Rockies were 1 for 14 with runners in scoring position at that point, with Colorado’s previous hit in that situation being Diaz’s first-inning homer.

McMahon’s ninth homer of the year, and his third straight game with a dinger, made it 4-2. Plus, it made the Rockies the first team in MLB history with a multi-run homer in the first inning and a multi-run homer in the 12th inning or later with no runs in between, according to OptaStats.

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“We bookend two-run homers — Diaz in the first and Mac in the 12th,” Black said. “We had a lot of chances in-between, left a lot of guys out there (with 14 left on base).”

The A’s got one back off Mears in the bottom of the inning, but Mears induced a key double-play before Matt Koch got Max Schuemann to fly out to end the game. It was the first 12-plus inning game for Colorado since July 22, 2022 (a 6-5 loss in Milwaukee), and the Rockies’ first win in a 12-plus inning game since the season finale in 2019 (a 4-3 win over the Brewers in Denver).

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Colorado Rockies Win First Game By Walk-Off Pitch Clock Violation in Baseball History

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Colorado Rockies Win First Game By Walk-Off Pitch Clock Violation in Baseball History


The Colorado Rockies beat the Washington Nationals on Saturday night in one of the most unique ways in baseball history: The Rockies won by a walk-off pitch clock violation, which is the first time that’s ever happened.

Now, the pitch clock has only been around for a year so that’s a small total sample size, but still, it’s something we haven’t seen. Pitchers and hitters alike have tended to get a hold of the pitch clock and the timing associated with it but Nationals’ closer Kyle Finnegan couldn’t handle it on Saturday.

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Finnegan was pitching against Rockies’ star Ryan McMahon, who was 3-for-4 with two RBI, so he likely wanted as much time to think about his impending 3-2 pitch, but he went too far with it.

It was a tough night all around for Finnegan, who took the loss after not getting an out in the ninth inning. He surrendered two runs on four hits and the walk, raising his ERA to 2.30 in the process. Despite that, he’ll still have a case for being an All-Star in the National League.

As for the Rockies, it was a much-needed win and marked another walk-off win for them this week. They also beat the Dodgers by walk-off on Wednesday. Colorado is now 27-50, which is the second-worst record in the National League. They are 0.5 games ahead of the Miami Marlins.

The Rockies will play the Nationals again on Sunday with first pitch coming at 3:10 p.m. ET. Jake Irvin (WASH) will pitch against Kyle Freeland (COL).

Continue to follow our Fastball on FanNation coverage on social media by liking us on Facebook and by following us on Twitter @FastballFN.

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Colorado visitor pulled from waters on Kaua’i’s North Shore

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Colorado visitor pulled from waters on Kaua’i’s North Shore


HONOLULU (KHON2) — According to Kaua’i police, a visitor from Colorado is dead after being pulled from the waters on Kaua’i’s North Shore.

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KPD said the incident happened on Friday around 4:30 p.m. when officials responded to an unresponsive swimmer at Hā‘ena Beach Park.

Reports said an Ocean Safety lifeguard “brought the victim to shore and administered CPR until medics arrived.

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When medics arrived at the scene, they provided advanced resuscitation efforts before transporting the victim to Wilcox Memorial Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.

Officials said an autopsy is pending and they do no suspect any foul play.



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7 Friendliest Towns to Visit in Colorado in 2024

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7 Friendliest Towns to Visit in Colorado in 2024


An important cultural and economic hub of the Western United States, the “Centennial State” of Colorado continues to be a fascinating and alluring destination. Full of stunning geographic features and charming frontier history, Colorado is indeed a jewel that visitors of all ages can appreciate. While major cities like Denver and Boulder still attract the most attention, the State is home to a number of smaller towns that are equally deserving of a visit. From majestic mountain vistas to fascinating histories of the Old West, these friendly and inviting Colorado towns are great places to explore the West and gain a greater appreciation for the “Centennial State”. So come see Colorado and explore these awesome and friendly towns, that the entire family can surely enjoy!

Telluride

A general view of atmosphere at the Opening Night Feed at the Telluride Film Festival, via YaskoCreative / iStock.com

A former silver mining town, the historic Telluride was established in the 1870s along the San Miguel River in the heart of the San Juan Mountains. Today, this seat of San Miguel County is home to a modest population of just over 2,600 residents, and splendid Rocky Mountain vistas and historic intrigue delight visitors of all kinds. A great destination for those looking to experience small-town USA in a most breathtaking setting, Telluride’s mix of historic character and natural splendor have made it a popular tourist spot for decades. For the outdoors lover, visiting the town’s famed alpine slopes is a must, while in the summer time these trails are transformed into awesome biking and hiking routes with some of the most breathtaking panoramas in all of Colorado.

Meanwhile, back in town, Telluride’s 19th-century past can be appreciated through marveling at several Victorian-style buildings and other landmarks. Indeed, the Historic District has been listed in its entirety on the National Register of Historic Places! Add in pleasant local restaurants, galleries, shops, and other businesses and this is one Colorado town that will surely not be forgotten. And finally, cinema lovers cannot miss the annual Telluride Film Festival, where actors and filmmakers from across the world descend on the town every September.

Silverton

Old Town Square in Silverton, Colorado
Old Town Square in Silverton, CO. Image credit Christophe KLEBERT via Shutterstock.

Silverton was established in the 1870s, and today, this historic town maintains a most humble population of just 600 residents! A former mining centre, this seat of San Juan County is a wonderfully charming destination full of natural splendor and loads of historic allure. Surrounded by the San Juan Mountains (a part of the larger Rocky Mountain chain), picturesque panoramas await any visitor here where warm summers and cool winters are the norm. Meanwhile, as a 19th century town, the unique character of Silverton is not difficult to miss. The town which is listed in its entirety as a National Historic Landmark, features many landmarks and buildings from the 1800s, perfect for a modern day exploration. Including the Silverton Depot (1882) and the Teller House (1896, amongst many others, a true feeling of the Old West can be felt when strolling through Silverton’s streets. And with a great array of local eateries, shops, boutiques, and other local businesses, the charming ambiance of Silverton truly is hard to beat.

Glenwood Springs

Glenwood Springs, Colorado Hot Springs
Glenwood Springs, Colorado Hot Springs. Image credit Kristi Blokhin via Shutterstock.com

Situated where the Colorado and Roaring Fork Rivers meet, the beautiful town of Glenwood Springs is a great place to relax and enjoy scenic surroundings. Seat of Garfield County and home to just under 10,000 inhabitants, this modest community was established in the 1880s and it remains a popular tourist stopover, particularly for its natural hot springs. Indeed, with several resort and spa destinations to choose from, accessing these geothermal delights is easy. Meanwhile, with the town’s location along the two previously mentioned rivers, opportunities to go fishing, boating, swimming, and even rafting provide quite the outdoor adventure. Finally, when visiting Glenwood Springs in the summer, make sure not to miss the awesome Strawberry Days Festival. At this oldest continuous operating fair in Colorado (it was first held in 1898), loads of delicious berries and other fruits fill many hungry bellies while live music and other entertainment delight the young and old alike.

Estes Park

Hikers walking cross a tree trunk bridge over Tyndall Creek on Emerald Lake, Estes Park, Colorado
Hikers walking cross a tree trunk bridge over Tyndall Creek on Emerald Lake, Estes Park, Colorado. Image credit Sean Xu via Shutterstock

Estes Park is an inviting and scenic historic town, beautifully situated along the edge of the Rocky Mountain National Park and the Big Thompson River. With a modern history dating to the 1850s, today, just under 6,000 residents call the town home, where some of the best mountain vistas in all of Colorado can be found. Enjoy such outdoor activities as jogging, biking, and swimming while charming scenery (including waterfalls and streams) makes for a picture-perfect vacation experience. Meanwhile, guests can also marvel at a number of historic landmarks from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which act as a sort of time machine to the State’s foundational years. Including the Baldpate Inn (1917) and the Stanley Hotel (1909), amongst others listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Estes Park is a nice little slice of yesterday that the whole family can enjoy.

Durango

Main Avenue in Durango, featuring the oldest bank building in Colorado
Main Avenue in Durango, featuring the oldest bank building in Colorado. Image credit WorldPictures via Shutterstock

Durango is a historic rail town dating to the 1880s, and today, it maintains a population of just over 19,000. Seat of La Plata County, this charming community is beautifully situated within the San Juan Mountain range, and along with its historic allure, it is a great spot to enjoy the outdoors. Take advantage of great opportunities to go hiking, cycling, and ziplining in the summer, while the Purgatory Resort is a must for awesome alpine sports in the winter. And of course Durango’s historic past and fascinating landmarks can be enjoyed no matter what the season, and a stroll through the Main Avenue Historic District brings any guest back in time. Including the First National Bank (1892) and the Strater Hotel (1887), amongst others listed on the National Register of Historic Places, a real feeling of the 19th century is palpable here.

Carbondale

The scenic town of Carbondale, Colorado
The scenic town of Carbondale, Colorado. Editorial credit: Nick Fox / Shutterstock.com.

Another wonderful Rocky Mountains town, Carbondale is also situated within the Roaring Fork Valley making it a most picturesque destination. With a modest population of just under 6,500 inhabitants, this friendly town offers a great mix of natural beauty and small town charm. Established in the 1880s, visitors can explore the quaint Main Street and its cute shops, restaurants, and other businesses, many of which are housed in 19th century buildings. Meanwhile, for a unique summer cultural experience, make sure to take in the sights of the Wild West Rodeo, which is held weekly from June to August. Full of bull riding displays, calf roping, and old fashioned cowboy entertainment, this is one outing that indeed the young and old can appreciate. And of course with Carbondale’s Valley geography and mountainous landscape, great opportunities for cycling, rock climbing, hiking, and horseback riding await the outdoors adventurist.

Paonia

Paonia, Colorado, Grand Avenue, looking south.
Paonia, Colorado, Grand Avenue, looking south. Image credit Cobun Keegan, CC BY-SA 3.0, File:Paonia.JPG – Wikimedia Commons

Located in Delta County in Western Colorado, the town of Paonia was founded in the 1880s, where nearly 1,500 reside today. Known for its abundance of peony flowers in the area (indeed the town name reflects the Latin spelling), Paonia is an agriculturally rich community where many local vegetable and fruit farms can be found. For visitors, this charming town is a great place to experience rural America in a mountain setting, and the opportunity to buy fresh locally sourced food is a real treat. And with such fun for the whole family events like the summer Cherry Days Festival and the autumn Mountain Harvest Festival, a delectable outing is sure to be appreciated. In addition, Paonia also has a charming little downtown district with several 19th and early 20th century edifices, while stunning views of the Rockies and the North Fork Valley create a perfect frame for a most friendly Colorado town.

Colorado is a stunning place of geographic beauty that, together with its fascinating history, makes it a true treasure of the Western United States. Indeed the “Centennial State” has much to offer any visitors, and exploring its wonderful and friendly smaller towns, allows one to get better acquainted with the State outside of its major cities. From the historic ambiance of Silverton and Durango to the splendid mountain beauty of Telluride and Glenwood Springs, these and other awesome small Colorado towns are the perfect places to spend a vacation. Whether one is seeking to spend a holiday filled with outdoor activities or cultural attractions, these friendly Colorado towns have it all!

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