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Cook tosses complete game, Smith homers in Rockies' win

May 25, 2008 - 10:53 PM By Brady Delander PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

DENVER (Ticker) - With rumors swirling about looming lineup changes for the struggling Colorado Rockies, rookie Seth Smith made his case for a roster spot.

Smith connected for his first career home run - a three-run shot - and Aaron Cook tossed his first complete game of the season to propel the Rockies past the New York Mets, 4-1, on Sunday at Coors Field.

"Obviously it was a big swing of the bat," Hurdle said of Smith's at-bat. "We only had three hits in the entire game and that was the biggest."

Colorado's lineup has been turned upside down by injuries in recent days.

Matt Holliday, Clint Barmes and Brad Hawpe all were placed on the 15-day disabled list this weekend, joining shortstop Troy Tulowitzki. There has been speculation that poor performance, not injuries, could further alter the starting lineup.

That means there could be an opportunity for Smith. The 25-year-old outfielder made his season debut Saturday, after batting .321 with six home runs and 30 RBI in 45 games for Class AAA Colorado Springs.

Smith snatched the lead from the Mets with his home run in the fourth. With one out, Todd Helton drew a walk and Ryan Spilborghs reached on one of two New York errors before Smith stepped to the plate.

Smith belted a three-run shot to right field off Mets starter John Maine (5-4), who had not allowed a hit until Smith's blast.

"It was fun," Smith said. "It's one thing to be here but when you are able to contribute and help the team, it is definitely something fun. ... (Saturday) was kind of emotional. I was all hyped up. (Sunday) I was able to calm down."

Yorvit Torrealba plated Helton in the sixth inning with a sacrifice fly to extend the Rockies' lead to 4-1.

That was more than enough support for Cook (7-3). The most consistent performer in Colorado's starting rotation, Cook controlled the Mets batters, scattering four hits and allowing one run while notching the Rockies' first complete game of the season.

"The confidence comes with execution and seeing results," Cook said. "Me and (catcher Torrealba) were on the same page pretty much the whole game. I only had to shake him off a couple times."

Rockies manager Clint Hurdle did not want to focus on his patchwork lineup, but instead on Cook's best outing of the season.

"I'd like to focus on Aaron's performance," Rockies manager Clint Hurdle said, deflecting a question about lineup moves.

"He was special and we needed him to step up. He just rolled from the first pitch right on through. He had what, 16 groundball outs, and he stays away from the big inning. ... His ability to slow the game down from pitch to pitch is the biggest step I think he's taken."

Meanwhile, Maine threw 121 pitches and struggled for most of the game. The righthander allowed three runs with eight strikeouts and four walks.

"(Maine) threw the ball really well," Mets manager Willie Randolph said. "He kept us in the game, that was the bottom line. What did he give up? Two, three hits? He was outstanding. ... We are talking about trying to get the offense going. That's what we have to do now."

The loss was the Mets' ninth in the last 13 games and now Randolph brings his club back to New York, where he will meet with ownership amidst rumors that his job is in jeopardy.

Colorado (20-30), one of three teams with 30 losses so far this season, fell behind in the third inning when Jose Reyes' single to shallow center field scored Endy Chavez.