• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers

Hudson's big night helps Arizona snap two-game skid

Apr 15, 2007 - 6:52 AM PHOENIX (Ticker) -- Orlando Hudson can do no wrong these days. Even when he records an out, he helps his team win.

Hudson continued his torrid start and helped end the Arizona Diamondbacks' two-game losing streak with a sacrifice fly in the eighth inning of a 5-4 victory over the Colorado Rockies.

The 29-year-old had three hits to record his major league-leading seventh multi-hit game and is batting .396 (19-for-48) "I'm just trying to take the same approach this spring," Hudson said. "We got some key walks, some key hits by my teammates and got a big win. I was looking to put the ball in play and let the chips fall where they may."

After Miguel Montero's blast off LaTroy Hawkins (0-3), the Diamondbacks took advantage of shoddy relief pitching. Hawkins (0-3) walked the next batter, Scott Hairston, and was relieved by Jeremy Affeldt, who fared no better.

Affeldt walked Stephen Drew and Albert Callaspo to load the bases for Hudson. Ramon Ramirez relieved to turn the switch-hitting Hudson around. However, it was an exercise in futility as Hudson lifted a fly ball to center that plated Hairston for the winning run.

Hudson is off to a tremendous start batting in the third spot.

"He has been unbelievable and that is why he is hitting in the three-hole and I think he is really embracing it too," Diamondbacks manager Bob Melvin said. "You put your best hitter in the three-hole and guys take pride in that. He is our guy right now."

Montero had two RBI and tied the game in the eighth with his first career home run - a solo shot - that traveled deep into the right field bleachers.

"It feels great because it tied the ballgame and was a big situation," Montero said. "It was a changeup. I was ready for a fastball but he left it up. It is the best day of my career so far."

Arizona starter Livan Hernandez struggled with his command but only allowed three runs - two earned - in six innings. He stuck out six, walked four and did not factor into the decision.

Aaron Cook received his second straight no-decision. The righthander allowed three runs and eight hits in six innings.

Brandon Medders threw a scoreless seventh and Brandon Lyon (2-0) worked a scoreless eighth inning. Closer Jose Valverde (0-1) entered in the ninth and gave up a pair of hits before recording his fifth save.

Todd Helton drove in two runs and Garrett Atkins hit his second home run of the year for Colorado, which finished off a nine-game road trip.