Ryan McMahon powers Rockies past Royals at Kauffman Stadium – The Denver Post

Ryan McMahon’s offensive surge continued Friday night.

The third baseman belted his fifth home run in eight games and hit a go-ahead RBI single to help the Rockies snap a four-game losing streak by beating Kansas City, 7-2, on the road at Kauffman Stadium.

With the game tied at two in the eighth after left fielder Jurickson Profar’s fielder’s choice, McMahon stepped into the batter’s box with runners at the corners and one out. He knocked the ball to left field, driving home shortstop Ezequiel Tovar to take a 3-2 advantage.

“The battle with (Royals reliever) (Carlos) Hernandez was a good one,” Rockies manager Bud Black said. “He throws the ball 100 miles per hour and (McMahon) battled. That was a big at bat.”

Suddenly, the Rockies’ bats came alive. Catcher Elias Diaz belted a two-run double to center. Moments later, first baseman Nolan Jones’ hit deflected off Royals first baseman Nick Pratto’s glove and rolled into right field, driving two more runs in while Jones advanced to second for a double.

Just when the Rockies thought they could escape the night without any more drama, reliever Daniel Bard loaded the bases after walking two batters and allowing a single in the ninth. Manager Bud Black had to turn to right-hander Justin Lawrence to record the final out of the game, securing an impressive comeback win.

McMahon was feeling it early. His ninth home run of the season shot out of the ballpark like a bullet. Royals starting pitcher Jordan Lyles tried to beat McMahon with an inside cutter, but the Colorado veteran crushed the ball to right field to take a 1-0 lead.

“That’s what you’re supposed to do on a 3-1 count,” Black said. “When you are ahead in the count, you are suppose to get the bat head out and pull the ball and hit a homer if you have power. That’s what (McMahon) did.”

McMahon went 2 for 4 while increasing his RBI total to 13 during this eight-game stretch.

Lyles, who entered Friday with a 7.30 ERA, silenced the Rockies’ bats for most of the night. He struck out eight while allowing two hits and a walk in five innings before the bullpen ruined a strong outing.

The Royals’ pitching collectively totaled 12 strikeouts, but Colorado found a way to prevail.

“(Kansas City’s) pitching held us down but we hung in there,” Black said. “We put a really good inning together in the eighth.”