Just when the Rockies needed a hero in the worst way, Yorvit Torrealba stepped to the plate with two out in the eighth inning and the bases full.
The fiery catcher unloaded a three-run double to left field off San Francisco Giants reliever Kevin Correia, lifting the Rockies to a 5-3 victory Tuesday night.
Steve Finley’s pinch-hit leadoff solo homer off reliever Vinnie Chulk started the Rockies’ eighth-inning rally.
Closer Brian Fuentes set down the Giants in order in the ninth for his third save. He struck out two and was aided by a leaping catch by rookie shortstop Troy Tulowitzki.
For most of the night at Coors Field, Colorado was handcuffed by Giants right-hander Matt Cain. He was masterful, allowing two hits in seven innings and striking out seven. Cain’s performance came one night after Barry Zito allowed just three hits in six innings as the Giants cruised 8-0.
The Rockies never have suffered back-to-back shutouts at home, but until Finley’s blast to right-center, they were headed in that direction.
And until Finley’s homer, Colorado had gone 22 innings without a run, dating to Todd Helton’s solo homer to lead off the third inning Sunday at Arizona.
Colorado received a solid performance Tuesday from rookie starter Jason Hirsh. He pitched seven innings, allowing three runs on six hits with five strikeouts. He got roughed up in the third inning, giving up two runs on triples by Dave Roberts and Rich Aurilia, but settled down the rest of the way.
