It was an apocalyptic scene Wednesday night, brooding clouds and 44-mph winds layering Coors Field in dirt and gloom.
The rain never came. But the reign did.
Ubaldo Jimenez mauled the San Diego Padres for the better part of six innings, steering the Rockies to an impressive 8-1 victory in 2 hours, 18 minutes.
It was the first time the Rockies have won back-to-back games since completing a sweep of the Cleveland Indians two weeks ago. Jimenez put on a clinic or a rerun, depending on your perspective.
One night after Aaron Cook notched his first complete-game shutout, Jimenez was just as dominant, only abbreviated. He worked 6-1/3 innings, surrendering just one run on five hits. Chase Headley, a Fountain-Fort Carson High School product, hit a solo home run off Jimenez.
All three of Jimenez’s wins this season have come at home.
It became obvious once he established his curveball in the early innings that he would be tough to beat. Perhaps most impressive, Jimenez threw 69 strikes in 104 pitches.
The Rockies’ offense toyed with Padres starter Randy Wolf, scoring in each of the first three innings. Garrett Atkins, who leads the National League with a .468 average against left-handers, provided the haymaker, drilling an 87-mph fastball in the seats for a three-run home run.
Troy Tulowitzki, who continues to show signs that he’s emerging from his season-long slump, and Yorvit Torrealba both homered.
Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com
