Michael Toglia and Charlie Blackmon each scored a run on Thursday night, helping the Colorado Rockies break their five-game losing streak with a 3-2 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals in the first game of a four-game series.
Cal Quantrill (5-4) managed to keep the Cardinals from scoring, despite giving up four walks and three hits in five innings.
“I didn’t perform very well today,” Quantrill admitted. “I struggled, but I fought through it. As a starting pitcher, I know I need to do more. I focused on winning, even though I wasn’t satisfied with everything. I kept the other team from scoring.”
Tyler Kinley secured the win by striking out Nolan Gorman to end the game and earn his third save.
“When I faced Gorman, I knew I had to be aggressive,” Kinley explained. “He’s a strong hitter, always looking for a big hit. I used my strengths to my advantage and went after him.”
Toglia, playing in right field, made an impressive catch in the fifth inning, robbing Matt Carpenter of a home run.
“That catch is definitely one of my best outfield plays ever,” Toglia said proudly. “I’ll definitely remember that one.” Manager Bud Black commended Toglia’s performance.
“We’ll be watching that catch for a long time,” Black remarked. “But I’m equally impressed by his base hit and his ability to bring in a run with a man on third. Michael played a solid game all around.”
Sonny Gray (7-4) pitched for the Cardinals but lasted only 4 2/3 innings. Despite allowing just two hits, he walked four batters and threw two wild pitches. The Cardinals left 10 runners stranded and have now lost five of their last seven games, following a 12-3 run.
