Guardians extend winning streak to four in a row with victory over Rockies

DENVER — José Ramírez doubled for his eighth consecutive game with an extra-base hit and the Guardians matched a season high with their fourth win in a row, beating the sloppy Colorado Rockies 4-2 Thursday.

Ramírez hit an opposite-field grounder that hugged the third-base line against an exaggerated shift in the first inning. He is the first major leaguer with extra-base hits in eight consecutive games since Joey Votto of the Cincinnati Reds in 2020.

Amed Rosario extended his hitting streak to 10 games with an RBI single to cap a three-run third inning. He is 18 for 42 (.429) during his hitting string and was 6 for 13 with three extra-base hits in the three-game series at Coors Field.

Triston McKenzie (4-5) gave up one run in six innings. He worked around seven hits, striking out six and walking one.

Emmanuel Clase gave up two singles to begin the ninth before earning his third save of the series. All three came on game-ending double plays.

Brian Serven, who tripled, and Connor Joe each had a career-high four hits for the Rockies, who have lost 10 of 14.

The Rockies committed two errors leading to unearned runs in the second and seventh innings and have at least one error in their past 13 home games, the longest streak in franchise history. The Rockies have made a major league-high 54 errors.

Chad Kuhl (4-4) gave up two earned runs in five innings.

Pro Bowl QBs take BP

Once and current Denver Broncos quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Russell Wilson took batting practice before the game while filming a segment of “Peyton’s Places” for ESPN+.

Wilson, who was selected by the Rockies in the fourth round of 2010 draft and played two seasons in their minor league system, hit several balls over the left-field fence.

“It’s a real swing,” Colorado manager Bud Black said. “It’s a real athlete. Many scouts thought he was headed to be in the major leagues.”

The two have been picked to 23 Pro Bowls, 14 for Manning.

Bryant hits on the field

Rockies outfielder Kris Bryant hit off a pitching machine during an extended batting practice session before the game, his third hitting session this week.

“He’s getting very close to a rehab assignment … closer than you think,” Black said.

Bryant was placed on the injured list for the second time this season May 25 after previously missing 3½ weeks with the back issue. This rehab assignment likely will be longer than his first, which lasted two days, Black said.

Bryant is hitting .270 with no homers and four RBIs in 17 games after signing a seven-year, $164 million free agent deal March 18.

Trainer's room

Guardians: Designated hitter/outfielder Franmil Reyes (hamstring) was 3 for 4 with a two-run homer as the DH at Triple-A Columbus on Thursday in the second game of his rehab assignment. Reyes could play the outfield this weekend at Columbus, Guardians manager Terry Francona said. … After throwing 76 pitches in a rehab game at Columbus on Wednesday, right-hander Aaron Civale (glute) is on track to rejoin the team during the three-game series in Minnesota beginning Tuesday.

Rockies: Utility man Garrett Hampson was scratched from the starting lineup after being placed in the COVID-19 protocol following a morning test. “A couple of years ago, we shut down games,” Black said. “I think we are figuring out how to stay as safe as possible.” … Sean Bouchard was recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque to fill the roster spot.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Guardians, Jose Ramirez extend streaks in win over Rockies