Kyle Freeland did a little bit of everything in Sunday’s 6-4 win over the Cincinnati Reds to help secure a series victory at Great American Ballpark. Freeland picked up his fifth win and went two-for-two with a pair of runs scored, including his first major-league home run, in the victory. Carlos Gonzalez, meanwhile, hit a historic home run of his own.
Freeland (5-2, 3.31 ERA) struggled early, allowing a run in the first inning after Nolan Arenado committed his first fielding error of the year, but settled down to hold Cincinnati scoreless over the next four innings. Chris Rusin helped Freeland out of a jam in the sixth inning, helping preserve the lead. Freeland finished his day with 5.2 innings pitched and three earned runs, allowing five hits and two walks. Rusin and Adam Ottavino combined for 2.1 innings of scoreless relief, striking out four. Greg Holland stayed perfect on the year, converting his 19th save in as many opportunities to lead Major League Baseball.
Offensively, DJ LeMahieu led the way with four hits and two RBIs, including a home run in the fifth inning, but it was Freeland’s home run in the fifth that had Rockies fans buzzing. Gonzalez hit a noteworthy home run as well, smacking his 200th in a Rockies uniform. Gonzalez became just the fifth player in franchise history to reach that plateau. He is one home run behind Dante Bichette for fourth place on the Rockies’ all-time home runs list. Rookie shortstop Pat Valaika also got in on the home run action with a solo shot in the sixth.
Colorado improves to 28-17 on the season, continuing to build on their best start in franchise history. The Rockies have won six of their last seven series, splitting the seventh with the Dodgers. Next, they wrap up their season-long 10-game road trip with four games against the Phillies. Jeff Hoffman (1-0, 5.40) will start the series opener on Monday. First pitch is scheduled for 5:05 p.m. MDT from Citizen’s Bank Park.
