The Colorado Rockies took the first game of their season-long 10-game road trip thanks to a three-RBI night from Charlie Blackmon. The centerfielder had three hits, including a two-run home run, to power Colorado to a 7-4 victory over the Minnesota Twins.
Kyle Freeland (4-2, 3.13) earned his fourth victory of the year. Freeland went six innings, allowing three runs on five hits. Freeland walked four and struck out three. Chris Rusin and Adam Ottavino each pitched an inning of no-hit relief. Greg Holland earned his 17th save in as many tries after a slightly bizarre ending to the game. Jake McGee worked into some trouble in the ninth inning, then appeared to strike out Chris Gimenez for the final out of the game. Gimenez was called out on a check swing, but reached first on a dropped third strike to create a save situation. Holland got Brian Dozier to pop out to second to end it.
While Blackmon led the way offensively, Ian Desmond and Gerardo Parra each had solid nights for Colorado. Desmond had a pair of hits, an RBI and a run scored. Parra scored twice, including a solo home run in the fourth inning. Tony Wolters had a hit, an RBI and a run scored in his first game back from the concussion DL. Colorado did most of its damage in a four-run sixth inning that included Blackmon’s two-run home run, his ninth of the year.
The win moves Colorado 10 games above .500 at 25-15, now 2.5 games ahead of Arizona for first place in the division. The Rockies are again in Minneapolis on Wednesday for the second of three games against the Twins. German Marquez (1-2, 4.88) will have a tall task against Ervin Santana (6-1, 1.50).
