• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers

Ross powers Marlins past Rockies in series finale

Jul 6, 2008 - 11:45 PM By Brady Delander PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

DENVER (Ticker) -- Cody Ross had three hits - including a two-run home run - and five RBI to help the Florida Marlins defeat the Colorado Rockies, 10-5, on Sunday.

Ross has hits in a career-best 10 straight games, with two home runs and 10 RBI in the last two contests. Wes Helms finished with two singles and two RBI, and Mike Jacobs and Hanley Ramirez each collected two hits.

"We didn't overlook him. He had a big series, there's no doubt about that, and we didn't handle him very well," Rockies manager Clint Hurdle said of Ross, who had 15 RBI in the series. "We didn't take him lightly. We just couldn't get him out."

The Marlins avoided the four-game sweep at Coors Field and snapped the Rockies' five-game winning streak.

"Today was big after those three tough losses," Ross said. "I'm really starting to get more comfortable at the plate. I feel like I'm staying on balls, shooting the ball either way, and when they're coming in I'm pulling it.

"When you're hot, you're hot. And when you're cold, you're cold. I've been cold this season, but I'm finally turning it around it and helping this team win."

Chris Volstad (1-0) pitched two innings for the win in his major league debut, and Kevin Gregg recorded the final three outs in the ninth to preserve the win.

"I found out last night around 11, flew out at six in the morning, and got here with enough time to play catch before the game and go out to the bullpen," said Volstad of the last-minute call. "It's just starting to sink in right now. Before the game, I didn't have any time to think or get nervous or anything like that. ... You couldn't ask for anything better than that."

Aaron Cook (11-6) took the loss for the Rockies after posting his first complete-game shutout in his last outing. Cook allowed seven runs and 11 hits while working into the eighth inning before exiting after Ross' home run.

The Marlins recorded three runs in the ninth - highlighted by Ross' double to left - to put the game away.

Ramirez had a double and a single to extend his hitting streak to 13 games, matching the longest of his career.

"I am just trying to work hard and have fun...and my teammates have been helping me a lot," Ramirez said.

Matt Holliday, Ryan Spilborghs and Brad Hawpe collected two hits apiece, with Spilborghs driving in two runs.

"It's weird. Not taking anything away from anybody, but we lost three in a row and then we face their best pitcher and we beat them," Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez said of the frustrating series. "That's just the game of baseball. Now we don't have to see Colorado again unless we both make the playoffs or until next year."