Elias Diaz helps Rockies snap eight-game losing streak with win of Angels

Rockies catcher Elias Diaz hit a go-ahead grand slam in the eighth to beat the Los Angeles Angels, 7-4, at Coors Field on Friday evening.

With the Rockies down by two runs, Diaz flipped his bat as he stared at his team’s bench after crushing the ball into center field for the team’s first grand slam since 2021, snapping a dreadful eight-game losing streak.

Diaz and first baseman Elehuris Montero combined for six of Colorado’s 15 hits. Shortstop Ezequiel Tovar recorded a pair of hits, including an RBI single in the sixth inning.

Angels star Shohei Ohtani didn’t disappoint. He recorded three hits, including a home run, as the designated hitter was a triple away from completing the cycle.

Ohtani, arguably the best player in the game, had everyone star-struck in the fifth inning. With the game tied at two, he smashed his 25th homer of the season into the Rockies’ bullpen. Center fielder Mike Trout followed with his 16th long ball to take a 4-2 advantage.

But the Angels’ bullpen couldn’t maintain the lead.

Colorado starter Kyle Freeland allowed four runs (three earned) on nine hits and two walks while striking out three batters in a no decision. He threw two consecutive scoreless innings before giving up back-to-back home runs in the fifth.