Based on what Colorado Rockies fans saw before their 1-6 team arrived in Denver for the home opener, expectations weren’t that high. But the unofficial holiday on the opening day still drew the sellout crowd of 48,399 fans to the ballpark, with the overflow crowd spilling into LoDo on a perfect Spring day. However, at the end of the day, the Rockies faithful stayed until the last pitch and experienced the ultimate thrill that baseball can offer. Going into the ninth inning, the Rockies had a comfortable 6-2 lead and only needed three outs to end the game. Amongst a spattering of boo’s, the Rockies sent disappointed fans to the exits after giving up 5 runs and the lead, going into the bottom of the ninth. The Rockies, trailing 7-6 without getting a single hit, found themselves one swing away from a miraculous turnaround. Three straight walks by Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Pete Fairbanks loaded the bases for third baseman Ryan McMahon. With the first pitch, McMahon took the ball over the left field wall for a grand slam home run, ending the game 10-7 on a walk-off 4-run homer, sending the crowd into a frenzy. “I knew it was gone. That one felt good,” McMahon said after the game. I turned and looked at the dugout and started yelling.” It was the third walk-off homer in McMahon’s career and the second grand slam. An errant throw to first base by McMahon gave Tampa Bay the go-ahead run in the top of the ninth. “I was (upset), man,” McMahon said about the throw. I had more time than I thought. I needed an excellent grip on the ball. I threw a mega-sinker over there. I was just a little frustrated myself. But it worked out.” The team drenched McMahon with a Powerade celebration shower. Rockies Game Day Photo Gallery can be seen at www.SportsReportNet.com.Rockies starter Austin Gomber pitched 41 pitches in the first inning while striking out the side. He finished with seven strikeouts and was relieved in the fourth inning after giving up two runs. Ezequiel Tovar and Kris Bryant both had two-run homers in the game, and the Rockies have improved to 17-13 in home openers at Coors Field since 1995. Friday’s 75 degrees was the warmest opening day on record in Denver.