SAN DIEGO — According to Forbes magazine, no major-league franchise increased in value more last season than the Rockies at 17 percent.
On a chilly Wednesday night, the contributions of a backup catcher, free-spirited center fielder and sore-footed pitcher were priceless.
It wasn’t so impressive that the Rockies won — a blistering 10-2 victory over the San Diego Padres — but how and who was responsible.
For those paying attention to hockey and hoops, the Rockies were in an offensive funk. They have had about as much success producing hits as William Hung.
They entered the game tied last in runs scored in the National League. Only the Washington Nationals had a lower batting average. In this context, Wednesday’s 15 hits represented pipes bursting, perhaps finally put their slump in past tense.
It was the most recent, if not best example of how a team can get a lift from an unlikely source. Before the seven-run ninth inning drove disgusted fans to the parking lot, Chris Iannetta delivered three hits, including a bloop double that turned into an Easter egg hunt down the right-field line.
By the time the Padres’ Brian Giles plucked the ball out from under the Rockies’ bullpen bench, he couldn’t put enough on a throw to erase Garrett Atkins at the plate.
After leading off with a walk, center fielder Ryan Spilborghs gave the Rockies only their second first-inning lead of the season when he scored on Atkins’ single to center field.
Mark Redman and a reliable bullpen made the offense matter. Redman received the assignment just one week after absorbing a line drive off his left foot. A nasty case of plantar fasciitis in his left heel only complicated the problem. Still, Redman wasn’t about to miss this game.
He grew up in nearby Escondido, where he once played high school football against former University of Colorado Heisman Trophy winner Rashaan Salaam. Mom was in attendance Wednesday, watching her son change speeds effectively for five innings. He was removed after 73 pitches and two runs, possibly as a concession to his injury.
On Tuesday night the Padres messed around and got a triple double in the fifth inning, dunking starter Ubaldo Jimenez. They didn’t get a hit against the Rockies’ relievers, starting with Matt Herges and continuing through Manuel Corpas, who was preparing for a save opportunity until the seven-run geyser.
The victory came with notable distinctions. Troy Tulowitzki broke his 0-for-20 slump with a two-RBI double in the ninth. Atkins totaled a season-high four hits and Clint Barmes campaigned for more time at second base with another multihit game.
It left the Rockies in position to win their first road series. Given the team’s uneven start, it’s hard to put a price tag on that.
Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com
