San Diego, CA – Wilin Rosario and Chris Nelson drove in two runs apiece as the Rockies salvaged the finale of a three-game set with the Padres, 6-2, on Wednesday.
Christian Friedrich (1-0) picked up the win with a strong start in his major league debut, allowing five hits and two runs -- one earned -- with seven strikeouts over six innings to help Colorado snap a five-game losing streak.
"I've been playing with these guys for four years in spring training and I know them, and to finally have them playing behind me, it's just awesome to be out there with them and get a great team win," Friedrich said.
Anthony Bass (1-4) suffered another setback, surrendering five runs -- just one earned -- on nine hits in 5 2/3 frames. Jesus Guzman and Yonder Alonso each collected two hits and an RBI as San Diego finished a nine-game homestand with a 4-5 record.
A four-run sixth turned the tide in Colorado's favor.
After Marco Scutaro filed out to open the inning, Jonathan Herrera reached first on Andy Parrino's fielding error. Carlos Gonzalez then doubled, and Herrera tied the game 2-2 on a sacrifice fly by Michael Cuddyer.
Bass intentionally walked Jason Giambi, who came around to score with Gonzalez on Rosario's double. Rosario, in turn, touched home on Nelson's base hit to give the Rockies a 5-2 advantage.
"[Bass] was hanging in there, their guy was hanging in there too," said Padres manager Bud Black. "We opened the door for them, Gonzalez got the big double and that kind of took the wind out of Anthony's sails."
Nelson plated Cuddyer, who singled and stole second, in the eighth to push the visitors' lead to 6-2.
Colorado produced its first run in the fourth. Giambi hit a ball that bounced off the top of the fence and back into play. Gonzalez came home, but Cuddyer was caught trying to score from first after a pair of strong throws.
The Padres opened the scoring in the home first, on Jesus Guzman's single that plated Chris Denorfia, and added one in the third, when Yonder Alonso doubled home Cameron Maybin.
They threatened in later innings but never produced, eventually finishing 2- for-10 with runners in scoring position.
Game Notes
Friedrich is the eighth starting pitcher in Rockies franchise history to win his major league debut in a game started. Juan Nicasio and Drew Pomeranz did so last season...Alonso extended his career-best hitting streak to seven games...San Diego travels to Philadelphia for a three-game set starting Friday...Colorado begins three straight at the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday.
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