Trevor Story continues his power surge as Rockies top Reds
CINCINNATI -- Trevor Story's latest homer helped Jordan Lyles get a long-awaited win. Made a little more history, too.
Story's solo homer snapped a tie in the eighth inning, and Lyles got his first victory in nearly a year on Monday night, leading the Colorado Rockies to a 5-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds.
Story added to his incredible rookie start, connecting on a first-pitch fastball from Ross Ohlendorf (2-2) for his NL-leading eighth homer. It's the most homers through a player's first 13 games in major league history since 1900.
"That was a beautiful piece of hitting," manager Walt Weiss said. "That's a perfect swing, pretty much. You think you might want to give him a day off and he goes out and has another big game."
Story knew that Ohlendorf threw hard, so he expected the fastball and hit it to center.
#STORYTIME!#Rockies lead 2-1! pic.twitter.com/00ZKC1Yvqj
— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) April 19, 2016
"That's right where I want to be," Story said. "Anytime I hit a line drive to center field, I'm very happy with that."
Ben Paulsen completed the rally with a three-run homer off Jumbo Diaz as Cincinnati's beleaguered bullpen let one slip away again. Ohlendorf took his second loss in two days.
"It's been documented the challenges they've had," manager Bryan Price said. "We believe we've got guys who can get the job done. We just haven't found the right mix, but we will. It's a long season."
Lyles (1-1) allowed four hits and one unearned run in seven innings for his first win since April 23 last year. He missed most of last season with injuries and had been 0-5 in his last eight starts with an 8.35 ERA. He hadn't lasted five innings yet this season, fading after getting through the lineup the first time.
"The last two outings were the same as tonight," Lyles said. "We just maintained that. I was able to get some quick outs in all seven innings."
GREAT team win! pic.twitter.com/QdFu7YDac9
— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) April 19, 2016
The Rockies won for the fifth time in six games. Cincinnati has dropped six of seven, with Ohlendorf taking the loss in each of the last two games.
Dan Straily made his first start of the season as the Reds reshuffle their rotation. They claimed him off waivers from Houston on April 1 and put him in the bullpen as their long reliever. Straily gave up one run and two hits in five innings, throwing 76 pitches.
Nolan Arenado singled to open the second and Paulsen followed with a walk. Brandon Barnes' sacrifice bunt advanced the runners, and Arenado scored on Cristhian Adames' groundout.
The Reds tied it with an unearned run in the sixth. Zack Cozart singled with two outs, and Jordan Pacheco doubled to left. Gerardo Parra's throw toward the infield bounced off Story's glove for an error, allowing Cozart to continue home.
EXTRA STORY
Story also doubled in his second at-bat. The rookie has at least one extra-base hit in eight of his 13 games this season.
YOU'RE OUT
Jay Bruce was thrown out at third while trying to extend his double leading off the fifth inning. Arenado took Parra's throw and made a difficult swipe tag of Bruce's leg. The Reds challenged the call, which was upheld upon review.
TRAINER'S ROOM
Rockies: 2B DJ LeMahieu was out of the lineup because of tightness in his groin, but was available to pinch hit. Adames started at 2B. ... RHP Jon Gray will throw Tuesday to gauge how his strained abdomen is healing.
Reds: RHP Anthony DeSclafani threw 40 pitches of batting practice without any problem. He's been sidelined all season by a strained left oblique. The Reds plan to have him make at least two rehab starts in the minors. ... RHP Homer Bailey threw 35-40 pitches in the bullpen, the latest step in his recovery from Tommy John surgery last season. He'll make at least three rehab starts.
UP NEXT
Rockies: LHP Jorge De La Rosa (1-1, 8.80 ERA) has gone 1-1 in two career starts at Great American Ball Park.
Reds: RHP Alfredo Simon (0-1, 12.50 ERA) makes his third start this season. He retired only two of nine batters at Wrigley Field last Wednesday for the shortest start of his career, then pitched in relief on Friday in St. Louis.
