Giants Have No Answer for Neagle

Denny Neagle combined with two relievers on a four-hitter and Todd Helton singled twice and scored as the struggling Colorado Rockies defeated the San Francisco Giants, 2-1, on Wednesday night.

The Giants, who had won eight of nine, remained 2 1/2 games behind the Dodgers in the National League wild-card race.

Colorado won for only the second time in 12 games. The Rockies were swept by the Giants in four games last week at Coors Field.

Larry Walker drove in the go-ahead run in the sixth inning. Juan Pierre reached on a bunt single with one out, stole second and went to third on a groundout. Walker followed with his hit to make it 2-1.

Todd Zeile also had two hits for the Rockies, who played the Giants for the final time this season. San Francisco won 11 of 19.

Jose Jimenez pitched the ninth for his 36th save in 40 opportunities.

Barry Bonds went one for four as Colorado held him in check for the second consecutive game. Bonds, who hit five home runs in three games last week at Colorado, flied out to left twice.

Neagle (8-9) gave up three hits and one run in seven innings for another solid outing. The left-hander has given up only 10 earned runs in his last seven starts.

Giant starter Livan Hernandez (9-15) retired 11 of the first 12 batters before giving up a leadoff single to Helton in the fifth.