It was a night to remember for Ryan Ritter as he made a splash in his Major League debut with the Rockies by adding a unique chapter to their recent exciting run. Called up to fill in for the injured shortstop Ezequiel Tovar, Ritter wasted no time making history, becoming the first player in Rockies’ history to notch a triple as his maiden big-league hit. This milestone came in the fifth inning off Mets starter Kodai Senga, during a gritty 4-2 loss under the lights at Coors Field.
Reflecting on the moment, Ritter shared, “I was trying not to swing at the first pitch in my second at-bat and to work the count,” referring to his first-pitch groundout earlier in the game. “When it was 2-0, I thought, ‘Here’s my chance to put the ball in play and do some damage.’” And damage he did, sending the ball soaring to the vast left-center field, in typical Coors Field fashion.
The 24-year-old, tagged as the Rockies’ No. 11 prospect by MLB Pipeline, soaked in the atmosphere and acknowledged a cheering section of 20 family members and friends, eager to share the moment. Ritter expects an even bigger crowd, 30 strong, at the Saturday night game.
Despite the thrill, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for the Rockies or Ritter. The rollercoaster of the season had its say again when Ritter’s run was overturned on replay, showing he was out at the plate on Pete Alonso’s throw and Francisco Alvarez’s tag. The Rockies are indeed no strangers to tight situations and thrilling finishes.
The night was capped by Francisco Lindor, whose two-run double off an inside cutter from Zach Agnos broke the deadlock in the ninth. Ritter later struck out on a 97 mph heater from Mets closer Edwin Díaz. However, he walked off the field with a spirit of optimism that resonates with a team facing the modern history book edges, tied with the 1932 Red Sox for the least successful start to a season in 63 games (12-51).
Drafted back in 2022 from the University of Kentucky, Ritter joins a crew of players transitioning from Triple-A Albuquerque, eager to cement their place in the majors. The Rockies have had a tough spell but recently snapped a record string of 22 series losses with a sweep in Miami, showcasing signs of a turning tide. Games have been nail-bitingly close, with many decided by a margin of one or two runs.
“We’re all optimistic,” Ritter expressed, capturing the spirit permeating through the clubhouse. “There’s so much good stuff happening here and in Albuquerque. It’s just about pushing hard every day until something clicks.”
Ritter’s May performance in Albuquerque was exceptional, earning him Rockies and Pacific Coast League Player of the Month honors, sporting a jaw-dropping .381/.445/.918 slash line with 12 home runs, 31 RBIs, 10 doubles, and three triples in just 24 games.
Tovar, down with a left oblique strain, opened the door for Ritter’s call-up—a move also influenced by the Rockies’ recent signing of former Braves shortstop Orlando Arcia. Manager Warren Schaeffer ensured Ritter was mentally prepped, bringing him to Denver days before the lineup debut to shake off the nerves.
“That was fantastic,” Schaeffer commented after the game. “It’s a thrill to see a guy get such a vital hit like a leadoff triple in his first game. It’s crucial for these guys to experience playing in front of their family on such a memorable night.”
Ritter’s versatility to play at second base and third base promises him more opportunities, potentially allowing rest for veterans like Arcia, Thairo Estrada, and Ryan McMahon or time in the lineup as a designated hitter.
“I remind myself that I belong here, so I try to keep things simple,” Ritter explained, relishing his moment in the spotlight. “It feels incredible to compete alongside such skilled players and to have the chance to shine. It’s a fun ride.”
