DENVER -- The Rockies played it meek for the better part of seven innings in Tuesday's series opener against the Padres, then put the brakes on their own eighth-inning rally by playing small ball with the heart of their order. The rally fizzled in its tracks, with the Rockies failing to score after putting runners on second and third with one out, handing the Padres a 4-3 victory.
After opening the inning with back-to-back base hits from pinch-hitter Gerardo Parra and Charlie Blackmon, and with DJ LeMahieu, Nolan Arenado, Trevor Story, and Carlos Gonzalez poised to inflict damage, manager Bud Black opted for LeMahieu -- the 2016 National League batting champ -- to lay down a bunt, advancing the runners.