Rockies get stunning 3-2 win over Yankees on McMahon’s shot to wall

Rockies Report, Game 51:

ROCKIES BOTTOM LINE: Tanner Gordon scattered five hits and two walks over six innings and Ryan McMahon delivered the big punch with a 2-RBI double to the center-field wall that put Colorado in front in the fifth inning and held up for a 3-2 win over the American League East-leading New York Yankees at Coors Field on Friday night.

For Gordon, who made the spot start in place of the injured Chase Dollander, the performance delivered his first major-league win in 10 career starts. He’d been 0-7 with an ERA of 8.19 and an FIP of 5.54 prior to Friday.

But this game saw plenty that had gone askew for Colorado go right. A defense that led MLB in errors was clean, with no miscues and a pair of crucial double plays. The bullpen was flawless.

Colorado snapped a five-game losing streak and improved to 9-42.

ROCKIES STARTER’S REPORT

Gordon found himself in a spot of bother early when New York’s Paul Goldschmidt crushed an 87-MPH cutter to the Bridich Barrier, scoring Aaron Judge from first base to put the Yankees in front, 1-0 before Colorado came to bat.

First innings have been a trouble spot recently for Rockies pitchers, and when the second inning saw him allow a single and a walk to put two on with one out, it seemed as if the thread had been pulled. But he retired the next five batters he faced and kept the Yankees off-balance.

In Gordon’s last start — during a doubleheader sweep dealt Colorado by the Tigers — he went 6 1/3 innings because the Rox had few other options. This time, he went six innings and earned the second quality start of his major-league career because he was dealing.

In the other quality start — last Aug. 3 at San Diego — he got scant run support and settled for a no-decision. This time, he had enough for his first major-league win.

BITS AND PIECES

IT WAS DECIDED FOR THE ROCKIES WHEN: Ezequiel Tovar caught Austin Wells’ ninth-inning liner with Jasson Dominguez on second base, sealing the win and rookie closer Zach Agnos’ third career save.

ROCKIES NUMBER TO NOTE: 0 — Hits off the bullpen in three innings of work, as Jake Bird, Seth Halvorsen and Agnos mowed down the Yankees. Halvorsen and Agnos each allowed a walk, but no more.

NOTES: Kyle Farmer contineud to work at first base, going 2-for-3; Michael Toglia entered as a defensive substituion in the eighth inning but never came to bat … Jordan Beck and Tovar continued their strong work at the top of the order; each went 2-for-4… Broncos quarterback Bo Nix threw out the ceremonial first pitch.

🫡 @BoNix10 pic.twitter.com/7jZNrjD8Wp

— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) May 24, 2025

WHAT’S NEXT: Kyle Freeland starts for Colorado, with the Yankees countering with MLB ERA leader Max Fried. First pitch at Coors Field is scheduled for 2:10 p.m. MDT.

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