Matt Holliday of the Colorado Rockies points to the dugout to celebrate after hitting a seventh inning solo home run in Saturday's 9-1 win over the St. Louis Cardinals. (Photo: Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
For seven-and-a-half innings Saturday night, the Colorado Rockies and St. Louis Cardinals were locked up in a tremendous pitching duel.
That all changed in a tremendous offensive explosion for the Rockies.
Colorado scored eight runs on 10 hits and had five RBI doubles in the eighth inning and went on to win, 9-1.
Rockies right-hander German Marquez was terrific. He went seven scoreless innings and allowed only three hits while walking one and striking out nine.
Marquez and Cardinals right-hander John Gant went toe-to-toe. Gant was also terrific in his seven innings. He gave up a run on three hits while also walking five batters and striking out six.
The run Gant gave up was a big one. Matt Holliday hit a pinch-hit home run in the seventh inning to give the Rockies a 1-0 lead.
The Cardinals came right back to tie the game 1-1 when Harrison Bader scored on Adam Ottavino's wild pitch.
The victory, coupled with the Mariners 4-3, comeback win over the Diamondbacks in 10 innings, lifted the Rockies into a tie for first place with the D'backs in the N.L. West.
The Rockies go for a series win over the Cardinals on Sunday. Coverage of game three starts with Rockies Q&A at 12:05 p.m. MDT on KOA NewsRadio 850 AM and 94.1 FM.
KOA NewsRadio Voice of the Rockies Jerry Schemmel had the call of Matt Holliday's pinch-hit home run in the Rockies 9-1 win over the Cardinals.
Saturday results and N.L. West standings through Saturday.
Rockies 9, Cardinals 1
Mariners 4, Diamondbacks 3 - 10 innings
Dodgers 5, Padres 4 - 12 innings
Jerry spoke with Rockies outfielder Carlos Gonzalez after the game.
Postgame comments from Rockies outfielder Matt Holliday.
Postgame comments from Rockies outfielder David Dahl.
Postgame comments from Rockies pitcher German Marzquez (first base coach Tony Diaz serving as interpreter).
Postgame comments from Rockies manager Bud Black.