Noah Spirek | @NoahSpirek | July 6, 2024
The Rockies have won consecutive home games for the first time since May 26-27.
Game Story
The Royals rolled into Coors Field swinging, as they opened up a 1-0 lead in the first inning. With one out, Kansas City superstar Bobby Witt Jr. started the rally with a ringing double to left, and he scored on a two-out base hit by Salvador Perez.
After Royals starter Cole Ragans retired the first seven Rockies hitters, Michael Toglia broke the ice with a solo homer to left. He pulled a 2-2 fastball just over the wall, and after a brief review to check for potential fan interference, the homer was upheld, and the ballgame was tied, 1-1.
The Royals regained the lead quickly, however, in the next half inning. In the fourth, two men reached on a walk and an error, and Garrett Hampson scored a run with a groundout, giving Kansas City a 2-1 edge.
In the bottom of the sixth, Brendan Rodgers led off the inning with a single and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Then, Elias Díaz lofted a game-tying RBI single to center field, evening the game, 2-2.
All game, the starters from both sides were solid. Cole Ragans tossed seven innings of two-run baseball while only allowing five hits (three walks) and striking out eight. For Colorado, Kyle Freeland continued his roll. Freeland matched Ragans with seven innings of his own, while allowing two runs (one earned) on seven hits and one walk. He struck out five.
In the eighth, both managers elected to hand the ball to the bullpens. Victor Vodnik navigated a scoreless eighth, striking out Salvador Perez in the process. Royals manager Matt Quatraro handed the ball to reliever John Schreiber, who had a rough outing, allowing the Rockies to take their first lead of the night.
In the eighth, Brendan Rodgers led off with a single against Schreiber, and he advanced to third on a Ryan McMahon double behind him. After a walk to Elias Díaz to load the bases, Brenton Doyle stepped to the plate and delivered the go-ahead hit for Colorado.
Doyle fought off an inside sinker and blooped it just inside the right field line. The ball skipped into the sellout crowd of 48,321 for a ground-rule double, scoring two and giving the Rockies a 4-2 lead.
In the ninth, Rockies manager Bud Black handed the ball to reliever Jalen Beeks to secure his second save in as many nights. Leading off the inning, he allowed back-to-back singles, but then Beeks settled in and retired the next three Royals hitters, locking down a 4-2 Rockies win.
Quotes
Manager Bud Black on Kyle Freeland: “The fastball velocity is ticked up. The breaking pitches are down, and he’s started to get a better feel for the change-up. I still think the change-up is the ultimate game-changer for him as he moves forward in the rest of his career… He made pitches today, he went after them, he threw strikes, a lot of good stuff.”
Kyle Freeland on his start: “It’s been great. Everything I worked on in those two months [on the injured list] have started to pay off, and I’ve been able to see it on the field which is really nice. Those two months I’ve just been chomping at the bit trying to get back and wanting to get back with my team. Now we’re here, three starts in, feeling really good. Feeling very confident with my pitch mix.”
Brenton Doyle on his sophomore jump: “When you’re producing and putting good swings on baseballs and finding barrels, this game can be a lot more fun, and confidence can also raise with that. I’m in a good spot.”
Notes
In his third game back from the injured list, Rockies starter Kyle Freeland tossed his third straight quality start and has posted a 1.37 ERA (19.2 IP, 3 ER) since his return.
Brenton Doyle is 10-for-15 with 3 HR, 4 doubles & 7 RBI in his last four games. He has an extra-base hit in four straight games, a career-high.
Friday night was another Coors Field firework night, and with the win, the Rockies improved to 47-30 all-time on home firework nights.
What’s Next for the Colorado Rockies?
On Saturday, the Royals and Rockies play the middle game of their three-game weekend series. Probable starters are RHP Seth Lugo (11-2, 2.17 ERA) for Kansas City and LHP Austin Gomber (1-5, 4.72 ERA) for Colorado.
Story by Noah Spirek.
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