Rockies Score Winning Run Off Former Teammate Rex Brothers

The Atlanta Braves traveled to Coors Field to begin a four-game series against the Colorado Rockies on Monday night. The game was scoreless through seven innings as both starting pitchers were phenomenal. However, the Rox finally broke through in the bottom of the eighth to score three runs, the only runs of the game.

Rex Brothers, the former Colorado Rockies pitcher, stood on the mound in the bottom of the eighth inning, facing his former team in a scoreless game. Charlie Blackmon promptly welcomed him back to Denver with a triple into center field.

The Braves chose to issue an intentional walk next to put runners on the corners, bringing Gerardo Parra to the plate.

Parra hit a hopper the other way that just made it through the Braves infield, giving the Rockies a 1-0 lead over Atlanta. The Rox went on to tack on two more runs in the inning, taking a three run lead to the ninth inning.

Greg Holland entered the game for the Rockies in the ninth inning and closed the game out, despite allowing a base hit, a walk, and a runner in scoring position.

Chad Bettis, in his first game back since being diagnosed with cancer, was masterful. He tossed seven scoreless innings, allowing just six hits.

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The Rockies defense shined in the game as well. The defensive highlight came during the first at-bat of the game. Ender Inciarte hit a liner that got past a diving Parra in left field. Inciarte turned on the jets and tried to score on an inside-the-park homerun, but a great relay through from the Rockies nailed him at the plate.

DJ LeMahieu made a great diving stop in the fourth inning to record an out for the Rockies as well.

The Rockies and Braves will continue the series tomorrow night with game two at 6:40 p.m. from Coors Field.

The Rockies currently hold a .5 game lead over  the D-Backs for the first wild card spot, while the Cardinals now sit five games back of the second wild card spot.