For the first time since the middle of May, the Colorado Rockies have won back-to-back games. After yesterday's 5-3 win over the San Diego Padres, the Rockie took Game 1 of their series with the Dodgers, 9-7. They overcame a four-run deficit to grab the win, the first time they did that this season.
The big inning came in the seventh when, down 7-3, they scored five runs. Carlos Gonzalez came to the plate with the bases loaded and plated Charlie Blackmon. After Chris Nelson struck out, Todd Helton drew a walk from the recently-entered Scott Elbert to add a fifth run to the Rockies' board. Again the bases were loaded and Troy Tulowitzki singled in two more runs to tie the game at seven. Ty Wigginton walked to load the bases again. Jason Giambi pinch-hit for Matt Reynolds and drew a walk to give the Rockies the 8-7 lead. Chris Nelson hit a sac fly in the eighth for an insurance run.
Rafael Betancourt (2-0) picked up the win with a scoreless eighth inning and Huston Street recorded his 18th save.
By the end of the fifth inning, it appeared the Rockies were out of it. Rookie starter Juan Nicasio allowed a Matt Kemp solo homer in the fourth inning and then gave up a two-run triple to Kemp in the fifth inning. Andre Ethier had singled in Clayton Kershaw one at-bat before the triple.
But the Rockies came back with three runs of their own in the sixth inning. Carlos Gonzalez and Chris Nelson reached base on singles and then Todd Helton drew a walk to load the bases. Troy Tulowitzki then delivered a double to left field to score Gonzalez and Nelson. Ty Wigginton followed with an RBI ground out.
Nicasio (ND) left after those four runs and five innings. After Rex Brothers struck out two in the sixth, Matt Reynolds came in for the seventh inning. He wound up allowing three runs. The first scored when Dee Gordon bunted and Jose Morales made a throwing error, allowing Clayton Kershaw to score. Casey Blake then followed with a double to deep right field to score Gordon. Blake moved over to third base on a wild pitch and scored on an Andre Ethier sacrifice fly, giving the Dodgers a 7-3 run.
The Rockies (30-32, 14-15 home) continue this series on Friday night with
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