Brenton Doyle broke a tie in the eighth inning with a two-run double, helping the Colorado Rockies secure a 4-2 win over the Kansas City Royals on Friday night.
Doyle had three hits in the game, including the go-ahead double off reliever John Schreiber (3-3). Michael Toglia also contributed with a solo home run for Colorado, which survived a replay review on the homer.
“I knew the pitcher had a good sinker and slider, so I aimed to get something higher in the strike zone,” said Doyle. “After taking the first pitch, I wanted to be aggressive and I got the pitch I was looking for.”
Doyle has been on a hot streak with seven extra-base hits in his last four games, the most by a Rockies player in such a span since Charlie Blackmon achieved the same feat in June 2019. Doyle’s batting average this season is .274, a significant improvement from last year.
“When you’re hitting well and making solid contact, the game becomes more enjoyable and your confidence grows,” Doyle added, noting his offseason efforts to refine his swing.
Salvador Perez drove in a run with a single, and Freddy Fermin contributed three hits for the Royals, who threatened in the ninth inning with consecutive singles by Fermin and Nick Loftin. However, Jalen Beeks, who earned his eighth save, retired the next three batters to secure the win. Victor Vodnik (2-1) earned the win with a scoreless inning of relief.
The Royals took an early lead in the first inning when Bobby Witt Jr. doubled and scored on Perez’s single.
Toglia’s home run came in the third inning off Cole Ragans, clearing the left-field fence just beyond the leaping attempt of left fielder Dairon Blanco, who appeared to make contact with a fan trying to catch the ball.
