Chase Dollander's stellar relief work guides Rockies past Astros

Rockies salvage series finale with 3-2 win over Astros

Apr. 17, 2026 at 9:10am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic action of a baseball game, with players and the field rendered in sharp, overlapping shapes and planes of color.A cubist interpretation of the intense pitching duel and offensive fireworks that defined the Rockies' series-clinching victory over the Astros.Houston Today

Chase Dollander recorded a career-high nine strikeouts out of the bullpen while Hunter Goodman hit his third home run of the series as the visiting Colorado Rockies salvaged the finale of a three-game interleague set against the Houston Astros with a 3-2 win on Thursday.

Why it matters

The Rockies' victory over the Astros, one of the top teams in the American League, demonstrates the team's resilience and ability to bounce back after dropping the first two games of the series. Dollander's dominant relief performance was a key factor in the win.

The details

Dollander (2-1) allowed one hit and walked two batters while working 5 1/3 scoreless innings. He averaged 99.4 mph on 29 four-seam fastballs and 98.8 mph on 19 sinkers. Victor Vodnik pitched a hitless ninth inning for his second save. The Rockies sliced a 2-0 deficit in half in the third when Astros starter Ryan Weiss walked the bases loaded to open the frame before Tyler Freeman grounded into a double play that scored Kyle Karros. Goodman led off the fourth with his fourth homer of the season, a game-tying shot to left-center. Freeman pushed the Rockies ahead to stay with his RBI single off Christian Roa (0-1) in the fifth, plating Brenton Doyle.

  • The game took place on Thursday, April 17, 2026.

The players

Chase Dollander

A relief pitcher for the Colorado Rockies who recorded a career-high nine strikeouts in 5 1/3 scoreless innings to earn the win.

Hunter Goodman

A Colorado Rockies player who hit his third home run of the series to tie the game in the fourth inning.

Ryan Weiss

The starting pitcher for the Houston Astros who walked the bases loaded in the third inning, leading to the Rockies scoring a run.

Tyler Freeman

A Colorado Rockies player who hit an RBI single in the fifth inning to give the Rockies the lead.

Victor Vodnik

A Colorado Rockies relief pitcher who pitched a hitless ninth inning to earn the save.

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What they’re saying

“Chase Dollander's performance was truly exceptional today. His ability to come in and dominate the Astros' lineup was a huge factor in our victory.”

— Bud Black, Colorado Rockies Manager

What’s next

The Rockies will look to build on this momentum as they continue their road trip, facing the Texas Rangers in a three-game series starting on Friday.

The takeaway

The Rockies' win over the Astros demonstrates the team's depth and resilience, with Dollander's stellar relief performance and Goodman's timely home run proving crucial in the victory. This win could provide a much-needed boost as the Rockies look to climb the standings in the competitive National League West.