In 2007, the Colorado Rockies finished the regular season by winning 14 of 15 games to leap from fourth place in the NL West into what would eventually become their first and only World Series appearance. Mile High Sports celebrates the anniversary of ‘Rocktober’ by recapping each game from each of those days ten years ago.
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October 11, 2007
ROCKIES 5, DIAMONDBACKS 1
The National League Championship Series against the Diamondbacks marked the first time in franchise history that the Rockies had made it past the opening round of the playoffs. Despite falling behind early, the Rockies rallied for runs in the second and third inning to take the lead.
After giving up a run in the first inning, the Rockies rallied in the second after back-to-back singles and a walk put shortstop Troy Tulowitzki up to bat. Despite hitting into a double play, first baseman Todd Helton would score to bring the game even at 1-1.
Second baseman Kazuo Matsui drove in a run in the third inning before Brad Hawpe brought home two more, making the score 4-1 in the early going. Matsui would bring home another run on an error in the seventh inning.
Starting pitcher Jeff Francis went six and two-thirds innings, allowing only one run on seven hits and striking out four. The relievers only gave up two more hits across the remaining two and one-thirds innings, allowing no additional runs.
The Rockies won their eighth game in a row and took a 1-0 lead in the series; an impressive debut that would portend even greater things to come.