Trevor Story ties rookie record for most home runs in April
PHOENIX — Trevor Story is undoubtedly the story of the Colorado Rockies' first month of the season.
The shortstop tied a major league rookie record with his 10th home run in April, a two-run shot that helped the Rockies cruise to a 9-0 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday night. In hitting his 10th home run in 21 games, Story tied George Scott in 1966 as the fastest player in major league history to reach that home run total.
Story tied Jose Abreu of the Chicago White Sox, who hit 10 in April 2014, for the rookie mark. Teammate Nolan Arenado, who also homered, is tied with Story for the major league lead in home runs.
Story took Diamondbacks starter Robbie Ray (1-1) deep in the fifth inning.
"Maybe when it's all said and done it will be something cool to look back on, but right now I'm just worried about winning games," Story said.
Arenado, Ryan Raburn and Nick Hundley hit solo home runs, Arenado's blast immediately following Story's in the fifth to knock Ray out of the game.
Hundley added a two-run double in the eighth after Gerardo Parra's RBI double.
Tyler Chatwood (3-2) held the Diamondbacks scoreless on five hits for 6 1/3 innings with four strikeouts and three walks.
The Rockies won for the third time in four meetings against Arizona in Phoenix, and have hit 14 home runs in those four games at Chase Field this season. Story hit four in the season-opening series.
"I feel like it's always good weather here. We play spring training here, so it's a familiar place," Story said. "I grew up playing in the heat, so yeah, I guess you could say I feel comfortable here."
Ray had not given up a home run in his previous four starts. The Rockies overtook the Diamondbacks for most home runs in the majors with 37 to Arizona's 36.
"They obviously like swinging the bat in this ballpark," Diamondbacks manager Chip Hale said. "It's very obvious that that's what it is. If you don't locate your pitches, they're going to hit them. That's what happens with confident hitters."
Raburn led off the fourth with a line drive into the seats in left field. One out later, Hundley homered to left.
"Great player. He's got a lot of tools and he's been pretty even-keel," Raburn said of Story. "Right now he's getting pitches to hit and he ain't missing it."
The Rockies took control in the fifth when Charlie Blackmon led off with a single. Story and Arenado followed with their home runs, and Ray's night ended after giving up five runs and seven hits. He struck out five and walked two.
"This place has been tough on us the last few years," manager Walt Weiss said. "Especially last year. It's good to see us swing the bats and win games, especially on the road where we've had some demons in the past."
DIAMONDBACKS CLAIM ESCOBAR
The Diamondbacks claimed LHP Edwin Escobar off waivers from the Boston Red Sox on Friday, and sent Escobar to Triple-A Reno. Pitcher Matt Buschmann was designated for assignment. Escobar, 24, was a top prospect for the San Francisco Giants before being traded to Boston in 2014. Buschmann made three appearances for the Diamondbacks this season.
TRAINER'S ROOM
Rockies: Blackmon (turf toe) was activated from the 15-day DL and started in center field as the leadoff hitter. The Rockies optioned OF Brandon Barnes to Triple-A Albuquerque to make room for Blackmon. "Unfortunately, it's a numbers crunch at this point in the construction of our roster, but he'll be back," Weiss said of Barnes. ... RHP Jason Motte (sore shoulder) threw a bullpen session Friday and is "moving full steam ahead," Weiss said. ... Hundley got some eye drops administered during the fourth inning, coming out from behind the plate and jogging over to the dugout for help from a trainer. ... Raburn fouled a pitch thrown high and tight off the bottom of the bat near his hands, and was checked by a trainer when he shook his hands in pain afterward. He was later hit by a pitch. "Just got a little beat up tonight but it's part of it," Raburn said.
Diamondbacks: RHP Josh Collmenter, on the 15-day DL, will pitch three innings at Class-A Visalia on Monday as he comes back from shoulder inflammation.
UP NEXT
Rockies: LHP Chris Rusin makes his first start of the season. He's appeared four times in relief and has a scoreless streak of 9 2/3 innings. He's 2-1 with a 2.25 ERA in three starts against Arizona, all at Chase Field.
Diamondbacks: RHP Zack Greinke (2-2, 6.16 ERA) makes his sixth start of the season. He faced the Rockies on opening day and was tagged for seven runs and nine hits in four innings. He gave up seven runs in his most recent outing, Monday against the Cardinals, but got the win.
