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Surging Rockies play second test with Padres

Sat 30th, August 2008

(Sports Network) - The Rockies are remaining a factor in the National League West. Aiming for a sixth win in seven games, Colorado plays the middle test of a three-game series with the basement-dwelling San Diego Padres tonight at Petco Park.

Colorado won 14 of its final 15 regular-season games last year -- including a one-game playoff win over San Diego to capture the wild card -- and then posted consecutive sweeps in the playoffs to reach the World Series, where it was swept by Boston.

The Rockies seemed like long shots to factor into the playoff race this year, as the club was 18 games under .500 at the All-Star break. However, the combination of a strong second half, wins in 10 of their last 13 games and a weak overall NL West has the Rockies just six games back of first-place Arizona.

Colorado won for the fifth time in six games on Friday with a 9-4 win over San Diego, which is last in the NL West and 18 games off the pace.

Garrett Atkins had two homers and five runs batted in, Seth Smith had a pinch- hit two-RBI double and Matt Holliday scored two runs for the Rockies. Holliday also stole two bases, giving him a career-high 25 on the season.

Aaron Cook threw six innings to win his 16th game of the season, tied for second in the NL.

Ubaldo Jimenez will try to keep the momentum going for the Rockies, but he is just 1-2 over his last four outings with a 6.14 earned run average. He got a no-decision on Sunday, allowing three runs (2 earned) on four hits and four walks over six innings.

The righty is 9-11 with a 3.95 ERA on the year and 2-2 with a 2.64 ERA in five career outings versus San Diego. He defeated them on July 2 with 6 1/3 innings of one-run ball.

Kevin Kouzmanoff went 2-for-4 with a run scored while Nick Hundley homered for the Padres, who have lost eight of 11. Dirk Hayhurst allowed four runs on five hits in four innings pitched.

San Diego made a slew of roster moves on Friday, chief among them placing outfielder Scott Hairston on the disabled list due to a torn ligament in his left thumb that will likely end his season.

Also, Josh Geer was among the players added to the roster, and he will start tonight's game. The 25-year-old right-hander makes his major league debut after going 8-9 with a 4.54 ERA with Triple-A Portland.

Colorado leads the season series 7-6, winning four of seven in San Diego.