Michael McKenry's two-run, walk-off homer in the 11th inning Wednesday at Coors Field was a life preserver.
Sure, it's just one game in a Rockies season that, for postseason aspirations, was essentially over after an 11-game losing streak in May.
But consider the alternative.
If the Rockies had not fought back to defeat the Mariners, 7-5, they would have been swept at home, would have lost for the eighth time in 10 games and would be in danger of challenging Philadelphia for the worst record in the major leagues.
They would have been packing all that misery as they head into an East Coast swing against the Nationals and Mets, teams stacked with great pitching that are fighting each other for the National League East title.