Nicasio sharp as Rockies blank slumping Giants

Denver, CO – Juan Nicasio tossed six scoreless innings as the Colorado Rockies blanked the San Francisco Giants, 5-0, in the finale of a four-game set from Coors Field.

Nicasio (4-1) was spotted an early lead when Carlos Gonzalez singled home Eric Young Jr., who singled and stole second to start the bottom of the first. The young Colorado pitcher fanned five and gave up just three hits to give the Rockies their third win over their division rival of the series.

"This creates a lot of confidence for our team," said Gonzalez. "Knowing that we have enough guys here to execute and play better baseball against the Giants or against anybody is always nice."

Gonzalez and Troy Tulowitzki contributed two RBI apiece while Dexter Fowler had a season-best four hits -- all singles -- to go with two runs scored. Fowler finished the series with 10 hits and seven runs.

Barry Zito (3-3) surrendered all five runs and 11 hits over 5 2/3 innings for his second straight loss.

"My timing was kind of in and out today," said Zito. "I made some pitches when I had to to get out of some jams, but generally the ball was up in the zone."

Colorado tacked on two insurance runs in both the fifth and sixth innings. Fowler led off the fifth with a single and Gonzalez followed with an RBI double to right. After Zito fanned Tulowitzki, Jordan Pacheco singled to center to plate Gonzalez.

With two away in the sixth, consecutive singles from Young and Fowler chased Zito from the game. Jose Mijares took the hill and promptly walked Gonzalez to load the bases, setting up Tulowitzki's line-drive single to left-center which scored two.

The Giants hardly threatened, going down in order in the first, third, fourth seventh and ninth innings. They will return home Monday to take on the Washington Nationals after going 1-5 on this six-game road trip.

Game Notes

Giants outfielder Hunter Pence remained perfect on the season with his eighth stolen base in as many tries ... San Francisco's Angel Pagan left in the fifth inning with flu-like symptoms ... Gregor Blanco and Brandon Crawford each had two hits for the Giants ... Tulowitzki improved to 4-for-6 with 10 RBI with the bases loaded this season.