Why Isaac Collins’ big night could be precursor of good things to come for Royals
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- Isaac Collins recorded two RBI singles in the Royals’ 6-3 win Friday night.
- Collins added a two-out hit in the five-run fourth and later drove in an insurance run.
- Collins is hitting .206 with one homer and six RBIs this season.
Kansas City Royals outfielder Isaac Collins knows when he is going well.
There is usually a glaring sign.
“Just my swing decisions,” he said. “You know, if I’m taking those balls on the edge and executing pitches over the plate, that’s when I’m at my best.”
Collins was impactful on Friday night against the Los Angeles Angels. He recorded two RBI singles in the Royals’ 6-3 victory at Kauffman Stadium.
The Royals scored five runs in the fourth inning off Angels starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi. Collins was a part of the run-scoring inning with a two-out hit.
Later he drove in a key insurance run. His single brought Kyle Isbel home from second base and extended the Royals’ lead.
“That’s our identity,” Collins said. “You can’t give a single pitch away. Whether you get down in the count, you’ve got to battle. … That’s just how our offense needs to be one through nine.”
Collins arrived from Milwaukee this offseason. He was acquired in a trade that sent reliever Angel Zerpa to the Brewers.
It’s been a slow start for Collins as he adjusts to his new team. He is hitting .206 with a home run and six RBIs in 63 at-bats. The Royals have stuck with him in left field as he works his way through the slump.
On Friday, Collins produced in various ways. He also made a nice defensive grab near the outfield wall.
“I mean those were two, two-out RBIs,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “Ghat’s huge anytime you can do that. We talk so many times in here at night about not getting the big hit. When you get those hits, it’s a momentum shift for you.”
Collins hopes to build off his strong game Friday night. He received a “Salvy Splash” drenching after the game and it caught him a little off-guard. But he appreciated the love and wants to continue to do his part to help the team.
“That’s what you have to do at this level to win games,” Collins said. “Like everyone has to do their part.
“It felt like we have good aspects of the game, but (we) just couldn’t play a complete game. But tonight we were able to put everything together and have a good start to the series.”
