PHILADELPHIA (AP)—The Colorado Rockies keep playing better at sea level than in their mile-high home.
Clint Barmes homered and drove in two runs and Brad Hawpe added two RBIs, leading the Rockies to a 7-6 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday night.
The Rockies nearly wasted a six-run lead, but held on for their sixth victory in eight road games. Since its inaugural season in 1993, Colorado struggled away from Coors Field, going 395-628 in its first 13 seasons.
“It’s really nice for our team to get another road win, especially after a tough one-run loss,” manager Clint Hurdle said. “It’s another step in the right direction for us, no doubt.”
Sal Fasano had two RBI doubles for the Phillies, who dropped to 4-9 at home.
Rockies reliever Ramon Ramirez (1-0) pitched 2 1-3 hitless innings to earn his first major league victory. Brian Fuentes walked two in the ninth but earned his third save, extending his franchise record to 20 straight.
“I felt real comfortable out there,” Ramirez said through interpreter Jose Mesa, who pitched a scoreless eighth inning. “I’m happy to be in this situation.”
Miguel Asencio, making his first start in three years, gave up six runs— two earned—and seven hits in 3 2-3 innings. Asencio had multiple operations on his right elbow since 2003.
Phillies starter Gavin Floyd (1-2) lasted 3 1-3 innings, allowing seven runs — six earned—and six hits. A former first-round draft pick who earned a spot in the rotation with an excellent spring training, Floyd has struggled, posting an 8.50 ERA in four starts.
“Gavin had a rough outing,” manager Charlie Manuel said. “I’m concerned about him. At the same time, he’s young, he needs experience. If we want him to develop, we keep sending him out there.”
The Rockies scored three runs in the first on a two-run single by Hawpe and an RBI single by Eli Marrero. Barmes hit a solo shot to left in the second to make it 4-0.
“We put runs up early and the relievers did a good job,” Hawpe said.
An RBI double by Fasano cut it to 4-1 in the second, but the Rockies added three runs in the fourth.
Cory Sullivan’s one-out, RBI double chased Floyd and put runners on second and third. Geoff Geary came in and got Barmes to hit a grounder to shortstop Jimmy Rollins, but his throw sailed over first baseman Ryan Howard’s head, allowing both runners to score.
The Phillies scored five runs in the bottom half of the inning, aided by an error on shortstop Barmes. With one out, Aaron Rowand reached on a throwing error by Barmes and David Bell singled. Consecutive doubles by Fasano and Geary cut it to 7-3. Rollins drove in a run on a grounder to first base and Chase Utley followed with an RBI double. Bobby Abreu’s run-scoring single up the middle got the Phillies within one run.
“I got behind hitters and made poor pitches,” Floyd said. “I thought a lot instead of letting things happen. I didn’t attack guys like I normally do.”
Notes
Fans booed loudly when Manuel allowed Geary to bat with one out and two runners on in the fourth. But Geary lined his first career double to right field and got his first RBI. … The Phillies still don’t have a triple this season. … Sullivan got his first RBI this season on his double. … Phillies reliever Julio Santana wasn’t available because of a stomach virus. … Philadelphia’s bullpen has allowed one earned run in its last 15 innings. … Ramirez singled in the sixth inning and is 2-for-2 this season.
Purple Row
The Good Phight