Tovar hits 3-run homer, Quantrill throws six scoreless innings as Rockies beat Twins 5-4

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Ezequiel Tovar electrified the crowd with a pivotal three-run homer, while Cal Quantrill continued his stellar performance on the mound, propelling the Colorado Rockies to a hard-fought 5-4 victory over the Minnesota Twins in Tuesday night’s showdown.

Quantrill (6-4) showcased his dominance once again, extending his streak of excellence by tossing six scoreless innings. With surgical precision, he allowed only three hits, issued one walk, and struck out five batters. The 29-year-old right-hander has been virtually untouchable, conceding a mere 10 earned runs over 47 innings since May, boasting an impressive 1.92 ERA during that span.

Facing the daunting challenge of Twins’ starter Louie Varland, the Rockies struggled to find their rhythm, managing just one hit through the initial five innings. However, the tide turned in the sixth inning when reliever Caleb Thielbar took the mound. Charlie Blackmon ignited the rally with a single, followed by Brenton Doyle’s pivotal walk, setting the stage for Tovar’s heroics. With a powerful swing, Tovar launched a majestic shot over the left-field wall, marking his 11th homer of the season and propelling the Rockies ahead.

Despite a late surge from the Twins, highlighted by Carlos Santana’s two-run homer in the ninth inning, Tyler Kinley slammed the door shut, securing his fifth save in as many chances for the resilient Rockies.

Thielbar (2-2) faced a barrage of hits, culminating in a long double from Ryan McMahon, who later added a solo homer in the eighth inning. Meanwhile, Byron Buxton’s two-run blast in the seventh inning injected a sense of urgency for the Twins, who had been seeking their third consecutive victory following a recent five-game skid.

Varland, once relegated to the minors after a rocky start to the season, showcased his potential with a stellar outing, surrendering only one hit and one walk while striking out three batters.

Tovar, the 22-year-old sensation from Venezuela, continued his meteoric rise in his second full major league season. Ranking among the National League’s elite in various categories, including doubles, multihit games, hits, and extra-base hits, Tovar epitomizes the Rockies’ bright future.

The victory marked a milestone for Rockies’ manager, Bud Black, who notched his 500th win at the helm. With previous success leading the San Diego Padres, Black solidified his status as a managerial icon, becoming the first to achieve 500 wins with two teams while also boasting 100 wins as a pitcher, according to Elias Sports Bureau.

As the series finale looms on the horizon, anticipation mounts for another exhilarating clash between the Rockies and the Twins. With left-handed pitcher Austin Gomber set to take the mound for Colorado, the stage is set for another captivating showdown.