Rockies’ defense rules in 2-1 win over Rays

Diamond gems and outfield heroics rescued the Rockies in their 2-1 victory over the Rays on Saturday afternoon in Tampa, Fla.

Colorado’s offense didn’t produce much at breezy George M. Steinbrenner Field, but its defense was top-notch, producing highlights in nearly every inning. And closer Seth Halvorsen set down four in a row to record the save, taking some of the sting out of Colorado’s opening-day, 3-2, walk-off loss.

“I say it all the time, I think (Michael) Toglia is a Gold Glove first baseman and (Ezequiel) Tovar proved that he’s a Gold Glove shortstop,” two-time Gold Glove center fielder Brenton Doyle told Rockies.TV. “That was a fun one out there for me today, too.

Rockies manager Bud Black said it was one of the best overall defense games he’s seen.

“To a man,” he told reporters in Tampa. “What a game. What a defensive game.”

The Rockies’ offense was tepid but got the job done. Singles by Nick Martini and Jordan Beck, followed by an RBI single to center by Doyle, gave Colorado a 1-0 lead in the third.

That was the only run surrendered by Tampa Bay starter Zack Littell. The right-hander limited Colorado to four hits, struck out seven and walked none.

Colorado expanded its lead to 2-0 in the seventh on a one-out double by catcher Hunter Goodman, who scored on Kyle Farmer’s two-out single to right.

Rockies starter Antonio Senzatela gave up nine hits, eight exceeding 100 mph off the bat, and walked two. But the veteran right-hander rope-a-doped for 4 1/3 scoreless innings despite notching no strikeouts.

“He was in the turnbuckle, taking his blows,” Black said. “He kept making big pitches and we played defense behind him. But he works fast and guys like playing behind him.”

Colorado’s defense was indeed “Senza’s” salvation. The gold standard was  Doyle’s diving, sliding catch to rob Yandy Diaz of extra bases leading off the fifth. But there were a series of excellent plays.

Left-fielder Jordan Beck fielded a ball off the wall and relayed to Tovar at short, who nailed Junior Caminero at the plate to end the first inning. In the third, the Rays sent five batters to the plate but came up empty when third baseman Ryan McMahon started a slick 5-4-3 double play, and right fielder Nick Martini threw out Jonathan Aranda trying to score from second on Kameron Misner’s single.

In the sixth, McMahon teamed with first baseman Toglia to snuff out a would-be rally. Yandy Diaz hit a high chopper to McMahon, who had to hurry a one-hop throw to Toglia. Toglia cradled the ball with his glove against his chest to end the inning.