Freeland's Historic Complete Game
Rockies' Kyle Freeland pitches complete game, ties franchise win record in dominant 8-1 victory
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Kyle Freeland pitched the first complete game of his major league career on Sunday, leading the Colorado Rockies to an 8-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals at Coors Field. The 33-year-old Denver native gave up just one run and struck out eight in his 251st career start, earning a standing ovation from the home crowd, according to Yahoo Sports.
The win completed a series sweep for Colorado. It was also the first complete game by any Rockies pitcher since June 27, 2022, according to Newsday.
Freeland's First Career Complete Game at Home
Freeland walked off the mound after the eighth inning to fans rising from their seats behind the Colorado dugout, Yahoo Sports reported. He then returned to finish the ninth and seal the gem. The outing was his first complete game in 251 career starts — a milestone few pitchers ever reach at hitter-friendly Coors Field.
Freeland held the Royals to one run across nine innings. He struck out eight and walked just two. KDH News noted it was a dominant, efficient effort from a pitcher who knows his home park better than almost anyone.
Freeland Ties Márquez for Third in Rockies Win History
Sunday's win was Freeland's 68th career victory with Colorado. That ties him with Germán Márquez for third-most wins in franchise history, according to Durango Herald. It was also only his second win in his last 19 starts — a stretch that shows how rough his 2024 season has been.
Freeland entered Sunday with a 3-10 record and a 6.81 ERA this season. He had 93 strikeouts and 23 walks in 2024. Despite those numbers, Lethbridge Herald noted that Sunday's performance was a reminder of what the lefty can do when everything clicks.
Colorado Offense Powers Eight-Run Blowout
The Rockies' bats gave Freeland plenty of cushion. Colorado scored eight runs to make the result a blowout. The offense took pressure off Freeland from early on, letting him work deep into the game without stress, according to Record Patriot.
The sweep was a rare bright spot for a Colorado team that has struggled in 2024. Winning a series — let alone a sweep — has been hard to come by this year. Sunday's game gave the Rockies and their fans something to celebrate at home.
A Denver Native's Loyalty Runs Deep
Freeland grew up in Denver and was drafted by the Rockies in 2014. He has spent his entire career with Colorado. That hometown connection made Sunday's milestone feel personal, both for the pitcher and the fans who cheered him, Winnipeg Free Press reported.
At 33, Freeland keeps grinding despite a hard season. His 68 wins with Colorado put him in rare company in franchise history. Few players spend their whole career with one team, especially in a tough market. Sunday was a reminder of why Freeland is beloved in Denver.
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