Rockies down Astros 9-7 in first game of double-header

DENVER – This time, the Rockies were able to score just enough.

Jordan Pacheco’s two-run single with two outs in the eighth inning gave the Rockies a much-needed 9-7 victory over the Astros at Coors Field in the first game of a doubleheader Monday afternoon in front of 34,546.

Pacheco’s single off Fernando Rodriguez (1-5) came after Astros shortstop Jed Lowrie kept the Rockies’ inning alive. Lowrie fielded Dexter Fowler’s grounder but his flip to second — where Jose Altuve was slow covering the bag — hit pinch-runner Jeremy Guthrie and bounced into center field. Guthrie was running for Jason Giambi, who had walked.

It was the third RBI of the game for Pacheco, who tripled in a first-inning run and has hit safely in 12 of his last 13 games. Matt Belisle (2-2) pitched a scoreless top of the eighth and Rafael Betancourt earned his ninth save. READ MORE>>>