The Rockies’ homecoming turned out to be a dismal affair.
Returning to Coors Field on the heels of a disappointing 3-6 road trip, the Rockies were pounded 8-0 by the San Francisco Giants. It was Colorado’s fifth loss in their last six games and their second shutout in their last five games.
An announced paid crowd of just 18,222 turned out to see Giants slugger Barry Bonds’ pursuit of the all-time career home run record. Bonds went 1-for-3; his only hit a line-drive single off the right-field wall in the fourth. There was only a smattering of fans left in the ballpark when Troy Tulowitzki grounded into a double play to end the game.
Rockies starter Jeff Francis, pitching on seven days rest after serving a suspension, looked rustier than ship’s anchor. The Giants pounded Francis for seven runs on nine hits in five innings. The fourth inning was particularly ugly. Francis faced 10 batters and gave up two homers – a three-run shot by Ray Durham, immediately followed by a solo shot by Bengie Molina. All told, the Giants had seven extra-base hits.
Giants lefty Barry Zito, on the other hand, was nearly untouchable. He allowed just three hits in six innings. Zito was perfect for 3 2/3 innings before giving up a walk to Garrett Atkins followed by a single to Todd Helton.
Helton and Tulowitzki supplied what little offense the Rockies could muster. Helton went 3-for-4 with a double and Tulowitzki was 2-for-4.
Staff writer Patrick Saunders can be reached at 303-954-1428 or psaunders@denverpost.com.
