SAN FRANCISCO -- The Rockies spent most of Tuesday night leaning on their defense, then flipped the script when the game reached its final inning.
Down to their last outs at Oracle Park, Colorado broke through with a four-run ninth and held on for a 4-3 win over the Giants, turning a game that had looked headed toward a 2-0 series hole into a chance to seize control of the weekend.
For eight innings, the Rockies’ offense had more walks than hits. Then the bats finally woke up.
Mickey Moniak opened the ninth with a leadoff single against Caleb Killian. Pinch-hitter Troy Johnston drew a walk, and Jake McCarthy - already in the middle of a three-hit night - dropped a bunt single while trying to move the runners over.
That set the stage for Kyle Karros, who lined a two-run single up the middle to put Colorado in front. Cole Carrigg followed with a sacrifice fly to add another run.
It was only the third time in 51 games this season that the Rockies have won after trailing through eight innings.
San Francisco made the bottom of the ninth uncomfortable. The Giants loaded the bases and got the tying run to third after Rafael Devers drove in a run with a sacrifice fly, but Colorado managed to stop the comeback there.
Long before the late rally, the Rockies were getting it done with their gloves.
Carrigg made a sliding catch in right-center in the first inning to take a hit away from Heliot Ramos. Later, he showed quick thinking on Casey Schmitt’s flyout, throwing back to the infield to double up Arraez after Arraez had singled to lead off the inning. The Giants challenged the play, but the call stood after replay review.
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