Colorado Rockies fall to the Arizona Diamondbacks, 8-7

The Rockies scored seven runs despite getting only one extra-base hit, a solo shot by Nick Hundley in the second inning that extended the Rockies early lead to 3-0. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough as the Diamondbacks came from behind in the 9th inning to win, 8-7.

The Rockies offense got off to a quick start when Charlie Blackmon singled, advanced to third on an errant pick-off throw and than came home on a DJ Lemahieu ground ball that Nick Ahmed fielded and than threw wildly in an attempt to get Blackmon at the plate. DJ advanced to second base on the error and was promptly driven in by a Troy Tulowitzki single.

David Hale pitched three efficient shutout innings before the wheels started to fall off in the fourth inning when he allowed three runs, and then was pulled in the fifth inning after Paul Goldschmidt hit a two-run home run to straight away center field that put the Diamondbacks up 5-3.

The Rockies came back in the bottom of the fifth, scoring four runs without the benefit of an extra-base hit. Using three walks, three singles and a fielder's choice, the Rockies offense put the team ahead, 7-5.

Walt Weiss put his eight-man bullpen to work piecing together three and a third innings of scoreless relief with Christian Bergman, Justin Miller, Christian Friedrich, Scott Oberg and Tommy Kahnle.

John Axford was called in for the ninth inning, putting his season-long perfect save streak on the line. After surrendering a mishit infield single and a walk, Axford gave up an RBI single to Paul Goldschmidt. Jake Lamb followed with a pop-fly single that no one could reach in center field that loaded the bases before Axford walked in the tying run, blowing his first save of the year. A sacrifice fly by Aaron Hill brought in the go-ahead run for the Diamondbacks.

The Rockies were unable to mount a rally in the ninth against Brad Ziegler, who retired the Rockies on two easy ground balls before striking out Troy Tulowitzki to end the game.