Rockies match 2025 win total as Sugano delivers gem

Rockies Report, Game 110:

ROCKIES BOTTOM LINE: If this was Tomoyuki Sugano’s last start in a Rockies uniform, he went out with a flourish, and with the home fans wanting more.

With his status as a prime trade candidate — and his name reportedly one of seven the Rockies have made available via trade in advance of Monday’s trade deadline — Sugano held the Kansas City Royals to just one run over 6 2/3 innings, and with just enough run support from the offense, he and the Rockies emerged a 3-1 winner in Friday night’s series and homestand opener at Coors Field.

The game was delayed an hour by a severe thunderstorm that rolled through downtown Denver, pelting the field with hail. When it got under way, it didn’t take long for the Rox to jump in front, as they took a 1-0 first-inning lead on TJ Rumfield’s two-out RBI single.

Two more Colorado runs followed in the fourth inning, with the first coming home on a Michael Massey throwing error as he attempted to throw out Troy Johnston at first, allowing Kyle Karros to score from second base. Two pitches later, Brenton Doyle announced his return to the major leagues with authority, lashing a line drive down the left-field line and off Kansas City third baseman Josh Rojas to score Johnston, putting the Rox up 3-0.

Welcome back, Brenton!!! pic.twitter.com/EoOrFn7i74

— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) August 1, 2026

The win was a milestone triumph for the Rockies, as they matched last season’s win total — in 52 fewer games. It’s a baby step, but it’s a sign of progress nevertheless.

After being 30-80 at the 110-game mark last year, the Rockies are now 43-67.

ROCKIES STARTER’S REPORT

The standing ovation Sugano received as he left the mound with two outs in the seventh inning Friday night was richly deserved — not just for this evening, but his work the entire season, as he built on becoming the first Colorado pitcher with double-digit wins in a season in five years and added another to improve to 11-4 — including 7-0 in June and July.

Carter Jensen’s solo home run in the sixth inning represented the sum total of Kansas City’s output at Sugano’s expense, as he scattered five hits over his night of work before being replaced after 83 pitches.

Antonio Senzatela, Brennan Bernardino and Jordan Romano picked up the baton with 2 1/3 scoreless innings. They allowed one hit and one walk among them.

BITS AND PIECES

IT WAS DECIDED FOR THE ROCKIES WHEN: Romano polished off the Royals for his ninth save of the season and fifth with the Rox.

NUMBER TO NOTE: 3.78 — Sugano’s home ERA this season over the course of nine Coors Field starts.

WHAT’S NEXT: Ryan Feltner starts Game Two of the series, which is scheduled for 6:10 p.m. MDT on Saturday at Coors Field. Right-hander Luinder Avila goes for Kansas City.

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