Story rewrites records on 2-homer night

Rockies' phenom raises bar with 26 HRs by NL rookie shortstop; 4 away from Nomar's MLB mark

July 24th, 2016

DENVER -- Rockies rookie treated his family and friends to another of his record-setting feats Saturday night.
A day after tying former Rockie 's 2007 National League record for home runs by a rookie shortstop, Story launched his 25th homer, a two-run shot off Braves right-hander in the second inning. In the eighth, he cracked No. 26 off for his career-high fifth RBI of the game and the final run of an 8-4 victory at Coors Field.
According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Story became the first rookie to go 4-for-4 with two home runs, at least five RBIs and a stolen base in a game since the Royals' Bo Jackson on April 14, 1987. Jackson drove in seven that game.

The performance came with Story's parents, Ken and Teddie, and his host family from Class A Modesto in the stands.
"I hope that they enjoyed it," Story said.
Story definitely enjoyed it because of the result -- the Rockies' third straight victory.
From the beginning, when he became the first player in history to homer twice while making his Major League debut in a season opener, Story has had to discuss his place in history with regularity. But as the team limped into the All-Star break, too often he was a bright spot on a bleak night.
But Story has become a major part of the Rockies going 6-3 out of the break. At 46-51, the Rockies have work to do to be considered a serious contender in the National League Wild Card race, but the team is embracing the challenge.
"That's what it's all about, first and foremost," Story said. "It's about how the team's playing. We feel good right now, have great confidence."

Story also found his way into franchise history. He became the fourth Rockies player to have two home runs, five RBIs and a stolen base in a game, joining Dante Bichette (twice), Vinny Castilla and Larry Walker.
Story needs four home runs to match the Major League rookie shortstop mark, set by Nomar Garciaparra of the Red Sox in 1997. The NL rookie home run record is 38, shared by the Boston Braves' Wally Berger in 1930 and the Reds' Frank Robinson in 1956. The Major League rookie mark is 49, by the Athletics' Mark McGwire in 1987.
The crowd of 46,195 hooted over the homers, but Story's most joyful noise came in the sixth, when his two-run single off Wisler gave the Rockies the lead for good. It was part of a five-run frame.

"You come up in a big spot like that -- we were down one -- to get those two RBIs and go ahead was huge," Story said. "I show a little more emotion on things like that."
Wisler actually dominated early -- when Story wasn't the one batting. The first homer and his third-inning single were the Rockies' only two hits off Wisler until the big sixth.
"Wisler was tough early -- he handcuffed us -- but Story had a big home run, and it felt like offensively we grinded our way through that game," Rockies manager Walt Weiss said. "Then we got into their bullpen and did some things."