Rookie Crim Homers First MLB Hit, Rockies Top Padres 4-2

The Colorado Rockies are closing out a tough season, but rookie Blaine Crim gave fans a reason to smile. In a 4-2 win over the San Diego Padres, Crim smashed a towering three-run homer for his first-ever major league hit.

That swing sparked an offensive burst and finally broke the Rockies’ shutout streak at Petco Park this year. Back-to-back blasts, sharp pitching, and a gritty ninth-inning stand gave baseball’s worst team a rare bright spot, while the Padres stumbled in their playoff chase.

Blaine Crim’s Fairy-Tale First Hit

In the fourth inning of a tense game, Blaine Crim stepped into the box with two runners on. The 28-year-old rookie, just called up from Triple-A Albuquerque after being claimed off waivers from Texas last month, got his chance.

Crim connected on a pitch from Padres starter JP Sears and sent it soaring deep into the San Diego night for a three-run homer. That blast snapped the Rockies’ scoreless run at Petco Park, where they’d been shut out in four earlier games this season.

One pitch later, Kyle Farmer kept the energy going with a solo shot of his own. Suddenly, Colorado had back-to-back home runs and a 4-1 lead.

Making the Big Leagues Count

For Crim, this was more than just a hit—it was a statement. At 28, he isn’t your typical fresh-faced prospect, but a determined journeyman who’s worked for every shot he’s gotten.

His power swing jump-started the Rockies’ offense and set the tone for the rest of the night. You could sense the dugout’s lift after that ball cleared the fence.

Tanner Gordon’s Dominant Start

While the bats made headlines, Tanner Gordon’s outing mattered just as much. The Rockies’ starter shut down the Padres, giving up only two hits over six-plus innings.

He looked locked in, racking up nine strikeouts and keeping San Diego’s lineup guessing. Gordon’s poise on the mound stood out, especially with the pressure on.

Shutting Down Machado and Tatis

Padres slugger Manny Machado gave the home crowd a jolt early, launching a 415-foot solo homer in the first inning. That was his 24th of the season.

But after that, Gordon and the bullpen clamped down on San Diego’s bats. Fernando Tatis Jr., usually electric, struck out four times and just couldn’t get going.

Key Ninth-Inning Moment

The Padres threatened late, putting two runners on in the ninth. With the game in the balance, Colorado called on Victor Vodnik.

Vodnik delivered, blowing a high fastball past Ryan O’Hearn for his eighth save of the year. That moment felt huge for a team used to heartbreak.

Rockies Play Spoiler

The Rockies, who sit at an MLB-worst 41-107, haven’t had many wins to celebrate. But in this one, they not only notched a rare victory—they also dented San Diego’s playoff hopes.

The Padres now trail the Dodgers by 2 ½ games in the NL West and hold a four-game edge over the Mets in the wild-card race. Every game matters now, and this one stings.

Game Highlights and Key Takeaways

This game had a bit of everything—rookie heroics, sharp pitching, and tense late drama. Some moments stood out:

• Blaine Crim’s first MLB hit – a three-run homer that flipped the mood instantly.
• Kyle Farmer’s quick follow-up – back-to-back homers off JP Sears in the fourth.
• Tanner Gordon’s nine-strikeout gem – just two hits allowed in over six innings.
• Victor Vodnik slamming the door – clutch strikeout in a tense ninth.
• Fernando Tatis Jr.’s rough night with four strikeouts.

For San Diego, the loss just highlights how slim the margin is in September. Dropping games to teams at the bottom can come back to haunt you. That’s baseball, right?

Looking Ahead

The Rockies will try to ride this momentum into their next matchup. They’re hoping to play spoiler against some of the higher-ranked teams on the schedule.

For Blaine Crim, his journey’s just getting started. That first impression—well, it’s one he and Rockies fans probably won’t forget anytime soon.

The Padres, meanwhile, have to regroup fast. Their postseason hopes are still alive, but the pressure’s really starting to mount.

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