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Young lifts Arizona over Colorado

May 26, 2011 - 7:55 AM Denver, CO (Sports Network) - Chris Young singled in the go-ahead run in the sixth inning and robbed Ty Wigginton of a potential tying homer in the eighth, lifting the Arizona Diamondbacks to a 2-1 win over the Colorado Rockies.

Ian Kennedy (6-1) threw eight strong innings to win his fifth consecutive decision. The right-hander is unbeaten over his last eight starts overall and finally got his first victory over the Rockies in his eighth start against them.

Justin Upton's groundout scored Ryan Roberts, also in the sixth inning for the Diamondbacks, winners in eight of their last nine contests.

Colorado's lone run came on Todd Helton's sacrifice fly, but the Rockies threatened to tie the game in the eighth. Wiggington belted a fly ball to the deepest part of Coors Field, but Young ranged back and extended his glove over the wall to pull the ball back in the park to end the inning.

"I don't remember exactly what I said," Kennedy said. "But that was one of the best catches I've ever seen. I probably owe him a dinner for that."

J.J. Putz retired the side in order in the ninth for his 14th save.

Jason Hammel (3-4) was the tough-luck loser in the third portion of this four- game series. He didn't give up an earned run over his seven innings pitched. Hammel yielded five hits and struck out five.

"Right now we're scratching and clawing to try and find anything," Hammel said. "So we're just as frustrated as everyone else is, and we're doing our best to get out of this funk."

Seth Smith doubled in the fourth, leading to Helton's sacrifice fly. The Rockies, though, failed to extend their lead the next inning despite loading the bases when Carlos Gonzalez grounded out to end the threat.

Alfredo Amezaga's high throw pulled Todd Helton off first base leading off the top of the sixth, allowing Roberts to reach safely. Kelly Johnson doubled to right prior to Upton's RBI groundout. Gonzalez made a leaping catch in front of the wall in left to retire Stephen Drew, but Young singled to left to give Arizona the lead, which held up.

Pinch-hitter Jonathan Herrera doubled with one out in the bottom of the seventh, and got to third on Dexter Fowler's groundout, but Smith grounded out to end the inning.

Game Notes

The Rockies placed pitcher Jorge De La Rosa on the 15-day disabled list, one day after he exited a start against Arizona with a tear of his ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow. In a corresponding move, the club recalled pitcher Bruce Billings from Triple-A Colorado Springs...Arizona placed pitcher Juan Gutierrez on the 15-day disabled list with inflammation in his right shoulder. The Diamondbacks also recalled pitcher Zach Kroenke from Triple-A Reno...The Diamondbacks are finally back over .500 (25-24). Since ending the 2008 season at 82-80, the D-backs' 5-4 record on April 15, 2010 was the only time they had a record above .500 in the last three seasons, excluding Opening Day wins...The Rockies have lost in Hammel's last five starts...Arizona has won eight of the last 11 meetings.