The Colorado Rockies kicked off their three-game series with the San Diego Padres with a 3-0 victory on Monday night. Until the top of the ninth innings it appeared the Rockies would take a 1-0 victory, but insurance runs did cross home plate.
The Rockies picked up their first run of the game in the first inning of the game. After Carlos Gonzalez struck out in his first game as the leadoff batter, second baseman Chris Nelson triple to deep center. Todd Helton followed with a strikeout, but Troy Tulowitzki came up with an infield single to score Nelson.
Fast forward the next seven innings to arrive at the top of the ninth and the Rockies still held a 1-0 lead. Ty Wigginton led off the inning with a double and came around to score on a Seth Smith triple. A Chris Iannetta single put Smith across home plate. Gonzalez was the only starter outside of Clayton Mortensen who did not pick up a hit in the game, going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts.
Mortensen (2-3) scattered five hits over six innings, walked tow and struck out three. Reliever Rex Brothers made his major league debut and flashed a fastball that reached 97 mph and a slider that was at 84 mph. He allowed tow hits, but also induced a double play. Huston Street struck out two on his way to his 16th save.
The Padres' Clayton Richard started, struck out eight over seven innings and allowed one run. No Padres batter was able to pick up a multi-hit game.
The Rockies (28-31, 15-16 away) continue this series on Tuesday night with Ubaldo Jimenez facing Tim Stauffer.
For more on the Rockies, visit Purple Row. To learn more about the Padres, head over to Gaslamp Ball.