The game was over in the first inning. Arizona sent 10 batters to the plate and scored six runs before Colorado recorded an out, turning what should have been a competitive matchup into a rout that ended 9-1 at Coors Field.
Merrill Kelly made those early runs stand up with a complete game performance, allowing 4 hits and 1 run over nine innings with 3 strikeouts. Kelly (3-3) threw 100 pitches and carried a 5.91 ERA into the game, but controlled the Rockies throughout for his third win of the season.
The decisive first inning began when Corbin Carroll scored on Ildemaro Vargas's single to center. Gabriel Moreno followed with a two-run single that brought home Nolan Arenado and Vargas. Jose Fernandez doubled home Lourdes Gurriel Jr., and R. Waldschmidt capped the outburst with a two-run single that scored Moreno and Fernandez. Hunter Goodman answered with a solo homer to left for Colorado's only run, but the damage was done.
Kyle Freeland (1-5) absorbed the loss after lasting just 3.2 innings, allowing 8 hits and 7 runs while walking 4 batters. His ERA sits at 7.22 after surrendering seven earned runs on 81 pitches.
Vargas led Arizona's 13-hit attack, going 4-for-5 with 2 RBI and 2 runs scored. The victory snapped a two-game losing streak for Arizona (20-22), while Colorado (17-27) dropped its second straight game. Gurriel Jr. sits 2 RBI away from 500 career RBI.