Colorado Rockies vs Philadelphia Phillies Box Score on May 25, 2017

The Sports Xchange
May 25, 2017

PHILADELPHIA -- A walk-off RBI single by Tommy Joseph in the 11th inning gave the Philadelphia Phillies a 2-1 victory over the Colorado Rockies in the series finale on Thursday.

After three days of watching the Rockies' offense jump out to big leads and cruise to easy victories, the Phillies knew they needed a strong day from the pitching staff to give themselves a chance in the series finale.

Although starter Vince Velasquez was able to give them only five innings as he struggled with his pitch count, a strong effort from a bullpen that's had its ups and downs gave the Phillies just the opportunity they needed.

The Phillies made it pay off in the 11th. They got a one-out double from Michael Saunders against Colorado reliever Scott Oberg (0-1), and Joseph followed with his game-winning hit.

That breakthrough came only after the Phillies squandered a pair of two-on, no-out situations, putting runners at first and second to open the fifth and eighth innings, but were unable to make anything happen either time.

It wasn't a perfect outing for Velasquez, who gave up eight hits in his five innings while throwing 94 pitches, continuing a string of Phillies starters who have failed to get to the eighth inning all season.

But he was saved by an outstanding performance from the bullpen, with six relievers coming in to two-hit the Rockies over six innings.

Jeanmar Gomez (3-1), activated from the disabled list earlier in the day, picked up the win by pitching a perfect 11th.

Oberg pitched one-third of an inning, giving up those two hits and taking the loss.

Joseph (2-for-5, two RBIs) was the main offensive reason the Phillies (16-29) were able to snap a five-game losing streak, part of a larger stretch that saw them lose 20 out of their last 24 games.

The Rockies' only score came in the fourth, when shortstop Trevor Story drove a 0-and-2 pitch from Velasquez into the right-field bleachers for his seventh home run of the season.

Rockies starter Tyler Anderson, who turned a forgettable April into a strong May, limited the Phillies to four hits through his first six innings. But he gave up a game-tying solo home run to Joseph in the seventh inning, and was removed after Cesar Hernandez's double led off the eighth.

Anderson gave up six hits in seven-plus innings, striking out seven and walking two without receiving a decision.

NOTES: Before the game, the Phillies activated RHP Jeanmar Gomez from the disabled list to fill the roster spot of RHP Adam Morgan, sent down to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Wednesday night. ...The Phillies and Rockies will not meet again until a three-game series in Colorado from Aug. 4-6, their only other time facing each other this season. ...The Phillies begin a three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday, with RHP Aaron Nola (2-1, 3.52 ERA) going against RHP Bronson Arroyo (3-4, 6.75). ...The Rockies return home Friday to start a three-game series against St. Louis. Rockies RHP Antonio Senzatela (6-1, 3.67 ERA) gets the start, opposed by RHP Carlos Martinez (3-3, 3.28).