CINCINNATI -- When Hunter Goodman makes contact, folks in the Rockies’ dugout reach for the furry home run jacket.
Goodman launched two homers Wednesday night in a 13-2 victory over the Reds, which pushed the Rockies to 4-1 on a road trip that finishes Thursday afternoon at Great American Ball Park.
Of Goodman’s last 15 hits, seven have been homers – and five of the other eight have been doubles. Goodman launched a solo homer in the fifth off Luis Mey and a two-run shot in the seventh off Jose Franco to raise his season home run total to a team-high nine. He broke from character in the top of the ninth with a single.
It was a good time for a big night, not only from Goodman but from Brett Sullivan (two doubles, including one for three runs in the first inning off Brandon Williamson), and for right-handed starting pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano (5 1/3 scoreless innings).
The Rockies (14-17) don’t waste time reliving last year’s MLB-worst 43-119 finish, but they are trying to display winning habits.
In Tuesday night’s 7-2 loss, the Rockies went 1-for-11 with runners in scoring position, but Reds starter Chase Burns’ nine strikeouts in six innings had something to do with that. Burns had nothing to do with a sloppy defensive first inning that included a dropped pickoff throw and a late base coverage on a steal attempt. No more time than necessary was spent on that, either – beyond reminders that winning teams stay mentally sharp.
The early lead on Sullivan’s hit and Sugano’s work – four hits, two strikeouts and three walks that didn’t hurt – were a sharp start. Goodman’s bat wrote a powerful finish.