Marquis helps lead Rockies past Bucs

DENVER (AP) — After his masterful mix of sliders enfeebled the Pittsburgh Pirates, the only downer for Colorado Rockies right-hander Jason Marquis was that he couldn’t finish what he started.

Marquis came within an out of the sixth complete game in his 10-year career and the Rockies beat Pittsburgh 7-3 Friday night for their 14th win in 15 games.

Manager Jim Tracy, who is 16-5 since taking over for Clint Hurdle on May 29, received a chorus of boos when he went to the mound following pinch-hitter Eric Hinske’s run-scoring single with two outs in the ninth.

The fans gave Tracy a standing ovation when he spun around and returned to the dugout alone, having given Marquis one more chance at his second complete game of the season.

“He told me this was my last guy, it was make or break,” Marquis said.

Andrew McCutchen sliced a sinker into the corner just out of right fielder Brad Hawpe’s reach to pull the Pirates to 7-3 and chase Marquis.

Left-hander Alan Embree came on and retired Nyjer Morgan for the final out.

“I needed to make better pitches to Hinske and McCutchen. But you know what, we got the win and that’s what matters,” said Marquis (9-4), who allowed three runs on eight hits.

Marquis induced 21 ground-ball outs, three strikeouts and two flyouts, and he did it with not much working besides his wicked sinker.

“It’s not the best I felt all year, but it was good enough to get the job done,” Marquis said. “It’s definitely fun when you get deep into games and watching guys make plays like that.”

Saturday’s game between the Pirates and Rockies was not completed in time for this edition.