DENVER -- Simplicity can be devastating for opponents, Rockies shortstop Trevor Story is showing.
Story crushed a pitch from Padres debuting lefty Eric Lauer for his second career grand slam during an 8-0 Rockies victory on Tuesday night.
In his last eight games, Story is 11-for-26 (.423) with three home runs and 12 RBIs. Most importantly, Story has struck out just six times. Story led the National League with 191 strikeouts last year and has 32 this year. He went into Tuesday third in the NL in the category.
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"Just being ready to hit," Story said. "Not trying to do too much. I think that helps me a lot. Less is more for me in a lot of ways. Just trying to put my best swing on it and not do too much."
Despite the early strikeouts, a strong spring sparked a belief among the Rockies and others that Story was about to take off.
"I've talked about Trevor looking better the last four or five games," Rockies manager Bud Black said. "Even yesterday's game [a 13-5 loss], that game was in the balance -- we were up, 5-4. That absolute bullet that he hit to the second baseman that turned into a double play, that was a smash.
"Trev's at-bats have been better -- solid contact. He took another walk today. He's doing fine."
The Rockies scored two first-inning runs off Lauer when second baseman Jose Pirela's double-play relay bounced for an error, Chris Iannetta reached and two runs scored.

Story not only walked in the first, but in the second, he watched Nolan Arenado walk in front of him to load the bases. Then, with the count 1-1, he clubbed Lauer's third straight fastball into the seats.
"You always pay attention to the at-bats in front of you," Story said. "Against a guy like Nolan and right-handers, I really pay attention. But at the end of the day, just trying to get something up and try to put my best swing on it."
It's not only power, but speed -- Story has two doubles and a triple, plus a team-high five stolen bases in as many attempts. While the Rockies and their fans like the fact Story has trotted out six home runs, he also went into Tuesday with five infield hits -- tied with five others for second in the Majors.