THE ROUTMay 10 (COL 0, PHI 6):
Welcome to batting practice, everyone! If you were looking for tension, you clearly dialed the wrong number. This wasn't a game; it was a choreographed clinic. Kyle Schwarber decided he didn't want to play by the rules, launching solo home runs in the first and second innings like he was clearing out the garage. Bryce Harper joined the party immediately with another center-field blast. By the time Trea Turner sacrificed Alec Bohm home and Schwarber tacked on his second bomb of the day, the Rockies were basically just spectators with better seats. A late single by Alec Bohm to score Brandon Marsh was just the cherry on top of a very one-sided sundae. Total mismatch. Absolute snooze fest for Colorado.
THE CLINICMay 09 (COL 3, PHI 9):
Still no sign of life from the visiting squad! The Rockies managed a tiny spark when Willi Castro launched a solo shot in the second, but then the Phillies decided it was time to go to work. The momentum shifted decisively in the bottom of the third — that is where the dam broke! Alec Bohm went yard, followed by a massive three-run moonshot from Kyle Schwarber that sent Bryson Stott and Trea Turner on a scenic tour of the bleachers. Even when Kyle Karros tried to spark a comeback with a two-run double, the Phils just kept punching back. Alec Bohm put the exclamation point on it with an eight-inning double to drive in Marsh and J.T. Realmuto. Another day at the office for Philly; another long bus ride for the Rockies.
THE THRILLERMay 08 (COL 9, PHI 7):
STOP THE PRESSES! If you had a heart condition, please seek medical attention immediately! This wasn't baseball; this was an all-out war! The Rockies came out swinging, building a massive 6-0 lead behind Hunter Goodman's two-run blast and some heavy hitting from Kyle Karros and Ezequiel Tovar. It looked like a blowout, but the Phillies? They don't know how to quit! The momentum swung violently in the bottom of the eighth. After trailing 7-2, the Phils ignited a five-run explosion! Brandon Marsh singled, Bryson Stott doubled home two, and then — BOOM! — Justin Crawford launched a two-run bomb to tie it up at seven! But wait! The drama wasn't over! In the 11th inning, Troy Johnston and Jake McCarthy delivered the dagger, sending the Rockies away with a 9-7 victory in an absolute classic!
A LONG SILENCE... MONTHS LATERApril 05 (PHI 1, COL 4):
Fast forward back to early April, before things got crazy. This was a much more composed affair. The Rockies set the tone early with Mickey Moniak launching a solo shot, followed by TJ Rumfield's two-run blast that gave Colorado a comfortable cushion. Adolis García provided the lone bright spot for Philly with a solo homer to right center, but the Rockies stayed disciplined. Moniak added another solo moonshot later on to seal the deal. A quiet, professional win for Colorado before the fireworks started in May!