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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September 22, 2007
ROCKIES 6, PADRES 2
The Rockies’ winning streak reached seven after scoring pairs of runs in the third and eighth innings, combined with a strong relief effort that allowed no runs after the fourth against the San Diego Padres.
Right fielder Brad Hawpe (4-for-4) brought home shortstop Troy Tulowitzki in the first inning to give the Rockies a lead that they never surrendered. After adding two runs in the third on RBIs by Hawpe and third baseman Garrett Atkins, the Rockies ran into a sticky spot in the fifth inning, when starter Mark Redman gave up a home run and a bases-loaded walk to give the Padres two runs back. With the bases still loaded, reliever Ryan Speier entered in place of Redman, striking out center fielder Mike Cameron and popping left fielder Scott Hairston up to get out of the inning.
The Rockies’ relievers only gave up one hit in the rest of the game. First baseman Todd Helton and pinch-hitter Joe Koshansky added insurance runs, and closer Manny Corpas finished off the Padres, giving up a walk and a hit in the ninth — but allowing neither runner to advance after a double play and a fly out to end the game.
The Rockies were now 83-72 and only two-and-a-half games back from the second-place Padres. The Rockies looked to sweep the Padres the next day, and continue their streak into Los Angeles.