Kyle Freeland pitches three strong innings for Team USA in win
Michael Toglia hits his first homer of spring
Rockies lefty Kyle Freeland had been waiting to don the red, white and blue since he was a kid growing up in Denver.
“Just getting the chance to be considered for something like this, to represent your country, is such a cool feeling,” Freeland said last month.
Saturday night, he made the most of his opportunity, pitching three innings in Team USA’S 6-2 win over Great Britain in the first round of the World Baseball Classic at Chase Field in Phoenix. Freeland allowed one run on two hits with three strikeouts and no walks. Rockies closer Daniel Bard is also pitching for Team USA but he did not make an appearance on Saturday night.
Former Colorado third baseman Nolan Arenado had a big night against Great Britain. The Cardinals star had three hits and several web gems in the game.
Team USA was scheduled to face Mexico on Sunday night in the second round.
Diamondbacks 10, Rockies 9
Sunday at Salt River Fields
On the mound: Righthander T.J. Zeuch, a nonroster invitee, got lit up by Arizona, giving up six runs on six hits (including two home runs) in two innings of work. He owns a 7.88 ERA.
Lefty reliever Brent Suter pitched a scoreless inning, striking out two. Although he has a 5.19 ERA, he has not allowed a run in two of his three spring training appearances.
At the plate: Outfielder Yonathan Daza was 3 for 3 with a double, an RBI, a stolen base and two runs scored. Daza’s hitting .308 (8-for-26).
Mike Moustakas, the designated hitter Sunday, was 2 for 4 with a home run and two RBIS in his second game with the Rockies since signing a minor-league deal. First baseman Michael Toglia, battling for a roster spot, hit his first homer, a towering blast to right field. Toglia, 2 for 5 on Sunday, is hitting .265.
And Grant Lavigne, a non-roster invitee, hit 2 for 2 with an RBI. He’s hitting .462 (6-for-13) in Cactus League action.