Oh, so this is what all the fuss was about. This is the vaunted lineup that was supposed to make National League pitchers’ knees knock and scoreboards short-circuit.
After making barely a peep through the first eight games of the season, the Rockies’ bats finally roared to life on a cold tonight at Coors Field.
After winning each of their first three games by a single run, Colorado beat the Atlanta Braves 12-6, slugging a season-high 13 hits, including five for extra-bases.
Making his second start of the season, right fielder Ryan Spliborghs went 3-for-5 with five RBIs. His three-run shot to center in the eighth was his first homer of the season. Spilborghs got the start in place of Brad Hawpe because manager Clint Hurdle knew Spilborghs had a glittering history — 3-for-5, two homers — against Braves starter Chuck James.
Powered by Matt Holliday’s two-run triple and Yorvit Torrealba’s three-run homer, the Rockies scored six times in the third inning off an erratic Chuck James. That jump-started the Rockies their third straight victory. Weather permitting, they’ll go after a four-game sweep of the Braves this afternoon.
Torrealba, who entered the game batting 1-for-14 on the current homestand, went 3-for-4 with four RBIs. His home run, and his RBIs, were his first of the season.
Holliday continued to wield a wicked bat, going 2-for-5. He’s hitting 9-for-22 (.409) on the current homestand.
Rockies starter Mark Redman pitched a workmanlike game, scattering seven hits over five innings, yielding three runs (two earned). He earned his first victory of the season despite a sore and swollen foot, the result of hot line drive off Mark Kotsay’s bat in the second inning.
For a few minutes, it appeared Redman wouldn’t be able to continue. But he did and was quickly rewarded. James, the next batter, popped a bunt attempt into the air and Redman made a diving catch, then threw to third to double up Brian McCann for an inning-ending double play.
Patrick Saunders: 303-954-1428 or psaunders@denverpost.com
