Colorado Rockies pinch-hitter Noel Cuevas (56) celebrates after his go-ahead two-run single in the eighth inning of Monday's 9-8 win over the San Francisco Giants at Coors Field. (Photo: Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
Early on, it did not look like the Colorado Rockies would need another late-inning rally.
Noel Cuevas grounded a pinch-hit single that drove in Ian Desmond and Chris Iannetta in the bottom of the eighth and provide the winning margin in a 9-8 win over the San Francisco Giants at Coors Field.
The Rockies hit three home runs off Giants starter Madison Bumgarner. D.J. Lemahieu and Trevor Story each had a two-run shot in the first inning and then Story added a three-run blast in the fifth to put the Rockies up 7-2.
The Giants, however, battled back. They scored two in the seventh to get within 7-5.
Then in the top of the eighth, Alen Hanson hit a pinch-hit two-run home run off Seungwhan Oh to tie the game. The next batter, pinch-hitter Chris Shaw, also went deep and the Giants had their first lead of the game, 8-7.
The Rockies again showed that nothing seems to phase them.
In the bottom of the eighth, Ian Desmond led off with a single. With one out, Chris Iannetta drilled a pinch-hit double off the right-center field wall. Cuevas followed by rolling a grounder up the middle to score two runs and put the Rockies back on top, 9-8.
Wade Davis struck out the side in the top of the ninth to lock down his 38th save of the season and secure the win.
The Rockies look to make it two straight wins over the Giants. Game two of the series is Tuesday, Sept. 4 at 6 p.m. MDT on KOA NewsRadio 850 AM and 94.1 FM.
Sunday night, the Mets beat the Dodgers, 4-2. The Padres dropped the D'backs, 6-2.
The Rockies take over sole possession of first place in the N.L. West.
Standings through Monday's games.
Check out Jack Corrigan's call of Cuevas' pinch-hit, two-run single on KOA NewsRadio.
Postgame comments from Rockies pinch-hitter Noel Cuevas.
After the win, KOA NewsRadio Voice of the Rockies Jerry Schemmel caught up with Rockies catcher Chris Iannetta.
Postgame comments from Rockies shortstop Trevor Story.
Postgame comments from Rockies manager Bud Black.