Rookie pitching sensation Mike Fiers couldn't slow the bats of the Colorado Rockies (42-71) as they erupted for eight runs over the first three innings, en route to a 9-6 win over the Milwaukee Brewers (52-62) last night in Denver. Game 2 of the three-game series is tonight at 6:40 at Coors Field (TV: Root Sports).

Traditionally a big winner in a park that plays to their offense, the Rockies went 1-8 on their last homestand and even with the victory are 22-37 at Coors. Nights like Monday, with DJ LeMahieu -- who had a career-best four-hit game -- and Eric Young Jr. continuing to make the most of starting opportunities and pitcher Jeff Francis (4-4) shaking off a slump, were commonplace in the past.

The Rockies are on a mini upswing late in a difficult season. They returned home after going 3-3 against the Dodgers and Giants -- the two top teams in the National League West. It was just their second non-losing road trip of the season and their first since late April.

Last night Young doubled to open the bottom of the first, Jonathan Herrera singled him home and Dexter Fowler doubled. Carlos Gonzalez and Wilin Rosario added run-scoring outs for a 3-0 lead. Chris Nelson doubled to open the second and scored on Young's grounder three batters later. In the third, Fowler, Gonzalez and Rosario, and Tyler Colvin doubled to drive Fiers from the mound.

Francis had gone 0-2 with a 10.80 ERA in his previous three starts. His last start wasn't that bad, but he gave up an early three-run homer to the Dodgers' Matt Kemp and was pulled after four innings under the Rockies' tightened pitch count that goes with their four-man rotation.

"It was big for us as a team to come out, put a zero up early and get some runs," Francis said. "I don't think we've done that a lot, even in the games we won."

This time, Francis earned his five innings. He didn't give up a run until the fourth and left after Carlos Gomez's two-run homer in the sixth. Francis went 5 1/3 innings and gave up three runs on six hits.

Adam Ottavino threw 2 2/3 scoreless innings, which he finished by reaching behind his back to grab Jonathan Lucroy's hard one-hopper, and throwing him out at first base.

Will Harris pitched the ninth in his Major League debut, allowing three runs on Rickie Weeks' two-out homer before striking out Ryan Braun to end the game.

Tickets are available for tonight’s game at Coors Field vs. the Milwaukee Brewers, and can be purchased by calling (800) 388-ROCK, or click here.

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