Rockies snap losing streak with 9-3 win
DENVER (AP) – Ubaldo Jimenez rebounded from two rough starts to pitch seven effective innings and the Colorado Rockies snapped an eight-game skid with a 9-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday. Carlos Gonzalez and Brad Hawpe homered and Clint Barmes had two hits and three RBIs for the Rockies, who had dropped 11 of 13.
Jimenez (16-2) returned to the form that earned him a start in the All-Star game. He was hit hard by Florida on July 19 and lasted just two innings Saturday against Philadelphia, but he bounced back against Pittsburgh. Jimenez allowed one run and four hits, struck out six and walked three. He moved within a victory of tying the franchise record for wins held by three pitchers.
His 16 victories leads the majors.
Neil Walker homered for the Pirates, who were trying for their first three-game road sweep in two seasons.
The Pirates got on the board first. Jose Tabata led off the game with an infield single and came home on Garrett Jones’ two-out double.
The Rockies tied it in the bottom of the inning on Gonzalez’s solo home run, his team-leading 19th.
Colorado broke it open in the second. Ryan Spilborghs drew a one-out walk, Miguel Olivo singled and the runners moved to second and third on third baseman Pedro Alvarez’s throwing error.
Maholm intentionally walked Ian Stewart to load the bases, and after striking out Jimenez Dexter Fowler doubled home two runs. Barmes followed with a two-run single to make it 5-1.
Olivo had an RBI single in the fifth and the Rockies added two more in the sixth. Barmes’ RBI single chased Maholm, and after reliever Steven Jackson entered Troy Tulowitzki hit a sacrifice fly to make it 8-1.
Maholm (6-9) gave up eight runs and 11 hits. He walked three and struck out three in 5 1-3 innings.
Hawpe homered in the seventh and Walker hit a two-run homer off Rafael Betancourt in the eighth to make it 9-3.
NOTES: Pirates RHP Ross Olhendorf says he’s fine after taking a line drive to the head in his start Wednesday. He plans to make his scheduled start Monday. … Pittsburgh CF Andrew McCutchen was a late lineup scratch due to a sore right shoulder. He is day to day. … Rockies closer Huston Street (right abdominal contusion) pitched the ninth after being cleared to play before the game.