Thirteen home runs in two days. That's the staggering output from Colorado Rockies designated hitter Hunter Goodman, who followed up a long ball on Friday with a career-best three-homer, five-RBI performance on Saturday, powering his team to an 8-5 victory over the Minnesota Twins.
Goodman's explosive night wasn't just a personal best; it was a statement. His power surge anchored a much-needed win for the Rockies and etched his name into a rare statistical club, joining legendary catchers in reaching 25 home runs before the All-Star break. For a player often overlooked, this breakout season is becoming impossible to ignore.
A Trio of Crushed Baseballs
Goodman wasted no time making his presence felt. Facing Twins starter Mike Paredes in the first inning, he launched a solo shot an estimated 428 feet, a no-doubter that landed in the third deck in left field. He wasn't done. In his very next at-bat in the third inning, Goodman again connected off Paredes, sending another solo blast an identical 428 feet into the bullpens beyond the left-center wall. Two swings. Two bombs.
After grounding out in the fifth, the stage was set for his third act in the seventh. With the Rockies clinging to a 3-2 lead and two runners on, Goodman worked a full count against reliever Kody Funderburk. He then hammered a high sinker 401 feet into the left-center seats, extending Colorado's lead and completing the hat trick. It was a pivotal moment. The Twins never recovered.
"When Goody gets hot, he stays hot for a while," Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer noted after the game. "He's a really tough guy to get out."
Joining Elite Company
Goodman's power display wasn't a one-off. He also hit a two-out, two-run homer on Friday night — a 451-foot blast that briefly gave Colorado the lead before the Twins rallied for a 9-8, 10-inning win. This consistent display of raw power has defined his season. The 26-year-old slugger now boasts 25 home runs, building on a career-best 31 blasts last year.
What makes this season particularly notable is the company Goodman now keeps. As a primary catcher, he became only the fourth backstop in MLB history to reach 25 home runs before the All-Star break. The names alongside him are Cal Raleigh, Ivan Rodriguez, and Johnny Bench. "Those are some of the all-time greats," Goodman said, reflecting on the achievement. "Any time you can be mentioned with them, it's pretty surreal."
Beyond Goodman's Bat
While Goodman's heroics stole the headlines, the Rockies' victory was a team effort. Kyle Karros added a two-run homer in the eighth inning, providing crucial insurance runs. On the mound, Michael Lorenzen (3-9) delivered a strong performance, allowing just two runs on seven hits over 5⅔ innings. It was his first win since April 24th, a much-needed boost for the veteran right-hander.
"It's one of the most powerful swings in the game, and it shows," Karros said of Goodman. "When he's hot, he's hot." The Rockies will hope Goodman's current streak continues as they look to build momentum.
Key Takeaways
- Hunter Goodman hit three home runs and drove in five runs, leading the Rockies to an 8-5 win over the Twins.
- Goodman's performance included two 428-foot solo shots and a 401-foot three-run blast.
- He became only the fourth primary catcher in MLB history to reach 25 home runs before the All-Star break, joining Cal Raleigh, Ivan Rodriguez, and Johnny Bench.
The Rockies will face the Twins again on Sunday, with Goodman's red-hot bat now the focal point of Minnesota's pitching strategy. The question for the series finale isn't whether he'll hit another one, but whether the Twins can find a way to keep him off the bases entirely. His All-Star candidacy is now a legitimate conversation, and another big performance could solidify his spot. For Colorado, his power is proving indispensable.