The Colorado Rockies knocked off the visiting Philadelphia Phillies 11-2 Thursday night, and rookie phenom Trevor Story made his presence known in the victory. One of five candidates vying for a final All-Star Game roster spot, Story had the kind of night that should resonate with voters.
In consecutive at-bats Story went yard to help kickstart a Rockies offense that combined for 14 hits on the night.
The home runs were not just little bloops that carried out, they were hard hit dingers that were gone the second they left the bat.
Trevor Story (@Rockies) has hit his 2 longest HR at Coors Field tonight https://t.co/cCFGHoASJm pic.twitter.com/PitDnds8Ee
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) July 8, 2016
The home runs were Story’s 20th and 21st on the year, putting him in a tie for ninth place in baseball.
The dingers also were also for the record books as Story tied Dave Kingman and Albert Pujols for most home runs by a National League rookie before the All-Star break.
Manager Walt Weiss offered a glowing review his rookie’s night at the plate, as well as his first three-plus months in the majors.
“He really hit those two balls.” said Weiss. “Unbelievable first half, what a way to start a career.”
For Story, it was just another day at the office.
“Trust my preparation in the cage, and that will transition to the field,” Story said about his work ethic. “Feeling good, and to see the results is always good.”
Story made a strong case for himself on the final night before voting wraps up in the 2016 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Final Vote. Story is one of five National League candidates vying for the final NL roster spot. Voting ends at 2 p.m. MDT on Friday. Fans can vote for Story online, by texting ‘N5’ to 89269 or by using the hashtag #StoryTime on Twitter tomorrow between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.