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Seven-run second inning helps Rockies sweep Brewers

Aug 9, 2007 - 1:01 AM DENVER (Ticker) -- The Colorado Rockies continue to dominate their opponents at Coors Field.

Garrett Atkins had four hits and matched a career high with six RBI as the Rockies slugged their way to a 19-4 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday.

Colorado scored in each of the first four innings and pounded out a franchise-record 11 extra-base hits - and 23 hits overall - in completing the three-game sweep of Milwaukee and winning its fifth straight contest at home.

Every position player had at least one hit, one run scored and one RBI for the Rockies, who rocked Brewers rookie starter Yovani Gallardo.

"Anytime you're locked in, you're trying to get good pitches to hit and you don't want the feeling to leave," Atkins said. "It's one of those games where we hit everything hard. We've got the offense that's capable of that."

Kaz Matsui scored four times, Troy Tulowitzki went 4-for-5 with a homer and three RBI, Ryan Spilborghs collected three hits - including a homer - and Brad Hawpe added his 20th blast of the season for Colorado, which scored seven times in the second inning and built a 16-2 lead after four frames.

Atkins led the way, producing all of his hits by the fifth inning. The third baseman had an RBI double in the first inning, a run-scoring single in the second, a two-run base hit in the third, an RBI double in the fourth and added a sacrifice fly in the sixth.

"It's a better swing going right now," Atkins said. "My balance is good, my hands are working well and the bat feels good in my hands right now."

It was a forgettable outing for the 21-year-old Gallardo (4-2), who saw his ERA rise from 2.25 to 4.20. The righthander, who lost for the first time since July 3, was hammered for 11 runs and 12 hits in just 2 2/3 innings.

"I hated to do that with Gallardo but I had no other option," Brewers manager Ned Yost said. "I tried to keep some professionalism about the game without having to throw a position player. They hit everything we threw up there."

Rockies starter Jeff Francis (13-5) took advantage of all the run support, winning his franchise-record eighth straight decision. The lefthander allowed three runs and six hits in five innings, walking two and striking out five.

"I don't think it speaks only about me, I think it speaks to the whole team. They've been scoring runs and playing defense behind me, it's awesome," Francis said.

Yorvit Torrealba went 3-for-6 and scored three times for the Rockies, who won for the eighth time in 11 games.

"It was a lot of fun, there was a lot of hits and a lot of runs, that always makes it fun," Tulowitzki said. "One of those days where a lot of hits were coming and it was great."

While Colorado (59-54) continues to surge, Milwaukee is reeling.

The Brewers (60-55), who have lost six in a row on the road, are just 3-14 in their last 17 games away from Miller Park. Milwaukee also was swept for just the second time this season.

Prince Fielder hit his National League-leading 34th homer for the Brewers, who have lost four straight overall.