DENVER -- “A four-run lead here doesn't mean [crap],” Rangers manager Skip Schumaker said ahead of his club’s series opener against the Rockies at Coors Field on Monday afternoon.
Of course, he was referring to the notorious offensive production in the Mile High City. This park can get into guys’ heads. And honestly, at Coors, even a one-run lead doesn’t mean much. Anything can happen.
The Rangers entered the top of the ninth inning of Wednesday's series finale against the Rockies facing a one-run deficit after Colorado’s pesky lineup scored four off Jack Leiter earlier in the afternoon.
As rain began pouring down, the Rangers poured on the baserunners.
Here’s a breakdown of Texas' ninth inning that ultimately led to a 5-4 win over the Rockies.
After Danny Jansen struck out to open the frame, Joc Pederson fouled off a 2-2 pitch, but home-plate Jim Wolf called Rockies catcher Brett Sullivan for catcher's interference when Pederson's bat hit Sullivan's glove. That put Pederson at first, where he was promptly singled over to second by Justin Foscue. Alejandro Osuna followed with a single of his own.
Suddenly, a Rangers team two outs away from a series loss had the bases loaded with only one out. Two pitches into Josh Jung's ensuing at-bat, a passed ball by Sullivan allowed Pederson to score from third. Jung then singled home Foscue to give Texas the lead and prove Schumaker correct that, indeed, no lead is safe at Coors Field.