Castilla Blasts Out of Slump

Vinny Castilla has been waiting for a game like this.

Castilla went four for five with five RBIs in the first three-homer game of his career to help lead Colorado to a 12-11 victory over Milwaukee on Saturday night.

Castilla hit a two-run homer in the second inning and added solo shots in the seventh and eighth. He also had an RBI single in the third.

“I have waited for a breakout game like this since the opening of spring training, but I got into a bit of a slump,” said Castilla, who was in a 0-for-10 slump going into the game, and was 0 for 14 with runners in scoring position on a recent trip.

Darryl Hamilton preserved the victory with a diving, fully extended catch in center field.

The Rockies trailed, 11-8, entering the eighth when Mike Myers gave up a single to Chris Sexton and, one out later, gave up a single to Neifi Perez.

Larry Walker followed with his 12th homer, tying the score, 11-11, and knocking out Myers.

Eric Plunk (0-1) came in and, one out later, gave up Castilla’s 12th homer.

It was the sixth three-homer game in the majors this season and second by a Colorado player. Walker did it April 28 at St. Louis.

“When things were going bad in the past, I’ve always gotten my stroke back by going the other way and I did that again tonight,” Castilla said.

Mike DeJean (1-2) worked the eighth for the win.