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Atkins delivers Rockies come-from-behind win against Reds

Jun 4, 2007 - 12:10 AM DENVER (Ticker) -- Garrett Atkins came through twice for the Colorado Rockies to snap a slump.

Atkins singled in the go-ahead run in the eighth inning and plated the game-winner two frames later as the Rockies posted a 10-9 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday.

"Came out today and had three hits, haven't done that in a while," Atkins said. "Everything felt good. I took a step back, relaxed a little bit and took that approach into the game. I haven't been thinking about the past."

With runners on first and second and one out, Atkins singled to left field against Victor Santos (1-1), plating Kaz Matsui with the winning run.

Matsui led off the frame with a single and advanced to second on an errant pickoff throw. After Matt Holliday struck out and Todd Helton was intentionally walked, Atkins put an emphatic end to his slump.

"That swing felt good. I hadn't driven a ball to left field in a while, so that was more important than anything," Atkins said. "It felt great. I've had that opportunity (to win the game) a couple of times this year and haven't come through. I knew they were going to walk Todd there, and it was a smart play. It was nice to be able to pick my team up there.

Out of the starting lineup for three games because of a 13-for-82 skid, Atkins finished with three hits, including a homer. He was playing only because rookie shortstop Troy Tulowitzki did not play because of an injury.

"He had a real nice ballgame," said Rockies manager Clint Hurdle of Atkins. "I don't take any credit for what he did out there today. That's him seeing the baseball, hitting the baseball, and being the baseball player he is.

After a three-run eighth-inning double by Matsui and an RBI single by Atkins off David Weathers gave the Rockies a 9-8 edge, Colorado closer Brian Fuentes blew his second save of the season. The lefthander set a franchise record with 11 saves in May.

Righthander Manny Corpas (2-2) worked the 10th inning to record the win.

Juan Castro led off the ninth with a double to deep center field and advanced to third on Fuentes' errant pickoff throw that probably would have retired the runner. After a flyout, pinch hitter Jeff Conine singled up the middle to tie the contest.

The Reds took a seemingly comfortable 8-2 lead after Brandon Phillips' three-run homer in the sixth before Yorvit Torrealba and Jamey Carroll plated runs off Reds starter Matt Belisle in the bottom half.

Belisle departed after allowing a two-out single to Holliday in the seventh, but reliever Jon Coutlangus walked the next three hitters, including a bases-loaded free pass to Brad Hawpe that cut the lead to 8-5.

"One thing, Belisle pitched really well and I think he just ran out of gas," Reds manager Jerry Narron said. "Looking back on it, I probably should have got him out of there after the sixth. Just got to have some guys come out of the bullpen and be consistent, it's as simple as that."

Gary Majewski entered and got Torrealba but loaded the bases with no outs in the eighth before Weathers entered to face Matsui.

Belisle was charged with five runs and 10 hits in 6 2/3 innings. Colorado starter Rodrigo Lopez surrendered four runs and eight hits in 4 1/3 frames.