Spencer Horwitz Powers Pirates Past Rockies with Two Home Runs, Six RBI in 9-5 Victory in Denver (Aug. 3, 2025)

Sunday, August 3rd, 2025

Spencer Horwitz Powers Pittsburgh Pirates Past Colorado Rockies, 9-5

Spencer Horwitz delivered a standout performance, homering twice and driving in a career-high six runs to propel the Pittsburgh Pirates to a 9-5 victory over the Colorado Rockies. This crucial win on Sunday allowed the Pirates to avoid a series sweep at Coors Field.

Horwitz Dominates at the Plate

Leading off for Pittsburgh, Spencer Horwitz started the scoring with a two-run homer in the second inning. He struck again in the sixth, smashing a three-run shot, and later recorded his sixth RBI on a groundout in the eighth. With five homers and 31 RBI in 61 games this season, Horwitz continues to be a force for the Pirates.

Early Offense Fuels Pirates

Nick Gonzales kicked off the scoring for Pittsburgh with an infield RBI single in the first inning. Tommy Pham followed with his fifth home run of the season, a two-run shot that gave the Pirates an early advantage.

Rockies Battle Back with Sixth-Inning Power

The Rockies made a push in the bottom of the sixth, with Mickey Moniak, Hunter Goodman, and Jordan Beck hitting consecutive home runs. Moniak and Beck each drove in two runs, helping Colorado pull within 8-5. However, it wasn’t enough to complete a comeback.

Pitching Performances

Pirates starter Mitch Keller (5-10) worked five innings, allowing seven hits and five earned runs while striking out four. Rockies starter Bradley Blalock (1-3) gave up seven earned runs on six hits through 5 2/3 innings, with two strikeouts and four walks.

Key Moment

A pivotal moment occurred in the third inning when Yanquiel Fernández of the Rockies doubled but was caught off base after his slide. Initially ruled safe, the Pirates challenged the call, and the ruling was overturned, cutting short a potential rally for Colorado.

Key Stat

Entering the game, Colorado had scored 21 runs in the fourth inning or later during the series. On Sunday, the Rockies managed one run in the fourth and four in the sixth but fell short in their comeback bid.

Upcoming Games

The Rockies will open their next home series against Toronto, sending RHP Tanner Gordon (2-3, 4.85 ERA) to the mound, while the Blue Jays counter with LHP Eric Lauer (6-2, 2.68 ERA). The Pirates return home to face the San Francisco Giants, with RHP Justin Verlander (1-8, 4.53 ERA) slated to start for San Francisco. Pittsburgh has yet to announce their starting pitcher.

In summary

Spencer Horwitz’s power surge and strong early offense led the Pittsburgh Pirates to a 9-5 victory over the Colorado Rockies, snapping Colorado’s bid for a sweep. Key moments on defense and timely pitching contributed to the win. Both teams now prepare for new series as the MLB season continues.

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