Colorado Rockies rookie outfielder Cole Carrigg launched a go-ahead three-run home run into left field during the top of the eighth inning against the Athletics on Saturday night, giving his team a temporary 4-2 lead.
According to mlb.
com, Carrigg connected with a 93.8 mph four-seam fastball with a spin rate of 2,349 rpm.
The ball left his bat at 105.1 mph with a 28-degree launch angle, traveling 400 feet.
The 24-year-old switch-hitter made his major league debut on June 9 after slashing . 338/.
414/. 529 with 30 stolen bases at Triple-A Albuquerque.
He has posted an .
891 OPS over his first 26 major league plate appearances, stepping into an everyday role due to injuries to outfielders like Mickey Moniak.
Emotional Call Home
Upon receiving the news of his call-up, Carrigg immediately contacted his family. "[My dad] was pretty choked up," Carrigg said.
"He's just super excited for me, and happy."
Carrigg recorded a triple as his first major league hit before hitting his first career home run two days later against the Chicago Cubs.
"The triple was really fun," Carrigg reflected.
"I was glad to get the first hit out of the way in the first game, and it was pretty fitting that I got to run around the bases for a triple."
He described his first home run as "the coolest moment in my life so far" and "an out-of-body experience."
Adjusting to the Big Leagues
Carrigg admitted that stepping into the batter's box was more nerve-wracking than playing defense. "I feel like playing defense is, I guess, easier than hitting," he said.
Beyond the games, the rookie enjoyed traditional clubhouse celebrations. "Probably my cart shower, when the guys threw me in the shower," he chuckled.
"It was something that I did not expect to happen."
Carrigg noted the stark contrast between minor and major league accommodations. "Clubhouse, stadium, clubbies… everything's just that much more professional," he said.
"It's super cool being on a private jet instead of flying Southwest."
Looking ahead, Carrigg remains focused on helping the Rockies win.
"Trying to keep winning series, and see if we can make a push and just keep winning ballgames," he said.
Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer expressed confidence in the rookie. "I've seen a fiery guy who hates to get out, who plays good defense," Schaeffer said.
"He's ready to play at all times. He just can make an impact in so many different ways on the baseball field."
The Athletics ultimately rallied to win the game 7-5 on Saturday.
The Rockies are scheduled to play the Athletics again on Sunday before traveling to Chicago for a road series against the Cubs.
