Rockies’ four errors, bullpen woes lead to 8-7 loss in San Diego

Rockies Report, Game 108:

ROCKIES BOTTOM LINE: A leadoff hit at the expense of Jimmy Herget in the bottom of the ninth, a throw to second base from Hunter Goodman that bounced in front of Ezequiel Tovar and into the infield and two walks to load the bases allowed Xander Bogaerts to walk off the Rockies with a sacrifice fly in an 8-7 loss at Petco Park on Tuesday night.

It was a defeat reminiscent of a pair of defeats suffered by the Rockies in San Diego earlier this season, when the Padres opened what would be a four-game sweep with a pair of walk-off wins.

The difference was that the Rockies truly were their own worst enemies, as they committed four errors — in the fifth, seventh, eighth and ninth innings.

“Four errors,” manager Warren Schaeffer lamented to media after the game. Errors and walks, walks and errors, you’re just not gonna win in the big leagues if you walk guys, especially late in the game, and you make errors in big moments.”

The final act was a frustrating end to a game that saw the Rockies fall behind 2-0 early, burst in front via a four-run third inning that included home runs from Willi Castro and Mickey Moniak — both of whom appear to be prime trade candidates as the Aug. 3 trade deadline nears — and then take a 7-6 eighth-inning lead when Ezequiel Tovar drew a bases-loaded walk.

That ball is Willi gone! pic.twitter.com/pHSZPYWEWE

— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) July 29, 2026

But it didn’t last. San Diego tied in the eighth inning after McCarthy bobbled a line drive from Manny Machado in right-center field, allowing Jake Cronenworth to score from first base.

Moniak, Goodman and TJ Rumfield went down 1-2-3 in the ninth, and that sent Herget on for the ninth, where his recent woes continued.

The Rockies fell to 42-66, including 3-7 since the All-Star Break. Overall, they’ve lost 11 of their last 15 games and now sit at 9-13 for the month.

ROCKIES STARTER’S REPORT

The Padres ground down starter Michael Lorenzen, forcing him from the game two batters into the fifth inning after 93 pitches. He allowed eight hits, a walk and three earned runs — the final one coming after Juan Mejia relieved him.

“Inefficient, behind in counts. His pitch count rose quickly tonight. They fouled balls off — a lot of foul balls,” Schaeffer said. “But I thought he battled. He got us into the fifth inning.”

He left with a lead, but the bullpen allowed three earned runs — and five in total — over 4 1/3 innings of work.

BITS AND PIECES

IT WAS DECIDED FOR THE ROCKIES WHEN: Cole Carrigg’s throw from center field after Bogaerts’ ninth-inning sacrifice fly nearly resulted in an out at home plate, but was just a tick late.

NUMBER TO NOTE: 21.94 — Herget’s ERA in his last six appearances; in that span, his season-long ERA spiked from 3.52 to 6.67.

WHAT’S NEXT: A series and road-trip finale. Gabriel Hughes will start for the Rockies. First pitch is set for 2:10 p.m. MDT from Petco Park.

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