Colorado Rockies: Kyle Freeland talks dogs, Denver and daring hits

During Freeland’s start on Thursday, it was discovered that he has yet to allow an unearned run to score this season. When an opponent reaches base who shouldn’t, Freeland has mentally geared down even more in an effort to help his teammates out of a jam. I asked him about that.

“I’m just trying to pick my teammates up,” Freeland said. “I know you have to be aware that an error is going to happen. It’s almost impossible for someone to go an entire season without an error. As a teammate, you’re supposed to pick them up in any way you can. You encourage them and say, ‘Hey, on this next one, we’re going to turn a double play.’ They want to pick themselves up as much as I want to help pick them up.

“It’s like giving up a home run in the first inning to the first batter. Turn the page. Get on with it. You can’t change it. Nothing can come from it. You have to focus on the next guy.”

Also on Thursday, Freeland laid down a perfect bunt for a base hit to lead off the fourth inning, much to the delight of the 31,783 fans in attendance. Freeland said he made the decision to try for the bunt hit when he saw Arizona third baseman Eduardo Escobar playing deep. It’s not often you see pitchers bunt for a single but when a third baseman is daring you to do it, why not?

“Escobar is one of the first guys to play me behind the bag,” Freeland smiled. “Usually guys are playing me either even with the bag or in front of the bag a little bit, even with runners on. I saw that and said, ‘You know, I might as well give it a shot.’ It worked out.”