DENVER -- Rockies right fielder Carlos Gonzalez's first turn to hit is his favorite. For example, his three-run homer during Saturday's 5-3 victory over the Padres came his first time up.
"Getting ahead in the first at-bat always helps," Gonzalez said. "I always tell myself that the first at-bat is bigger than one in the ninth inning with the bases loaded and the game on the line. I'm always ready to hit early.
"Whenever you get going in the first at-bat, you're going to have a good chance to get a multi-hit game. Other than that, I'm always trying to have good at-bats every time you step up to the plate.