Giants beat Rockies on base-loaded sacrifice fly in 9th

SAN FRANCISCO — Charlie Blackmon had a two-run double in the second inning for his first career 200-hit season, but the contending Colorado Rockies couldn't hold the early lead and lost 4-3 to the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday night.

The Rockies' lead over the Brewers for the second NL wild card dropped to a half-game after Milwaukee won at Pittsburgh.

Hunter Pence hit a game-ending sacrifice fly with Colorado playing a five-man infield, with Carlos Gonzalez making an incredible diving catch. Pence followed up his two-run homer in the fifth as San Francisco grabbed the opener of a short two-game series between the NL West opponents.

Pablo Sandoval singled leading off the ninth against Chris Rusin (5-1) and Orlando Calixte entered to pinch run.

Ryder Jones followed with a bunt single and Kelby Tomlinson singled to load the bases for Pence.

Gerardo Parra hit a tying double in the eighth for Colorado, which missed a chance in the ninth.

Pinch-hitter Mark Reynolds hit a two-out infield single in the ninth off Sam Dyson (3-2), then pinch-runner Mike Tauchman stole second. Blackmon was intentionally walked and DJ LeMahieu grounded out.

Blackmon became the eighth Rockies player with a 200-hit season.

Johnny Cueto struck out six and walked four over 6⅔ innings, allowing two runs and seven hits.