Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - Aramis Ramirez nailed a game-winning two-run homer in the bottom of the 11th to lead the Cubs to a 4-2 win over the Colorado Rockies in the first of a two-game set at Wrigley Field.
Struggling Ramirez Launches Monster Blast As Cubs Down Rockies In Extras
Ramirez's fifth career game-ending blast handed the Cubs their second straight win. The shot came with one down in the frame off Matt Belisle, as the third baseman took a middle-up fastball well over the fence in left field.
Randy Wells allowed one run on seven hits in 6 2/3 innings, but didn't factor in the decision after the bullpen surrendered the game-tying run in the eighth. Sean Marshall (3-1) earned the win after tossing two perfect frames with four strikeouts.
Miguel Olivo tied the game with a bases-loaded walk in the eighth for the Rockies, whose three-game win streak ended. Seth Smith finished 2-for-5 with an RBI single in the loss.
Aaron Cook started and surrendered two runs -- one earned -- on seven hits in seven frames, but Belisle (1-1) was saddled with the loss after surrendering the game-winner.
The Cubs didn't waste any time scoring in the first. Kosuke Fukudome led off with a double and crossed the plate on a two-out single to left from Ramirez.
Colorado tied it in the third as Smith singled in Carlos Gonzalez with two down. Gonzalez doubled the at-bat before.
The Cubs took back the lead in the fourth. Tyler Colvin drew a one out walk and moved to second as Mike Fontenot reached on Troy Tulowitzki's throwing error with two down. Koyie Hill then singled him in for a 2-1 lead.
In the eighth, Smith singled off John Grabow to start the frame. Brad Hawpe then walked and Todd Helton followed suit with one out to load the bases. Carlos Marmol then took over and walked Olivo on four pitches to tie the game. But the hurler got Ian Stewart to ground into an inning-ending double play to prevent further damage.
Chicago had a chance in the eighth as Fukudome singled off Joe Beimel to start the frame. Rafael Betancourt then entered, but allowed Starlin Castro to reach on a fielder's choice. Castro stole second and advanced to third on Olivo's throwing error with two down. But the reliever settled down to strike out Ramirez to end the threat.
Colorado didn’t put a runner on base in the extra frames.
The Cubs are now 16-5 when scoring four or more runs in a game this season...Castro finished 3-for-5...Helton was 2-for-3...Colorado stranded eight runners.
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