Barmes’ Home Run Caps Rockies’ Rally

Rookie Clint Barmes hit a two-run home run to cap Colorado’s four-run ninth inning against Trevor Hoffman, helping the Rockies start the season with a 12-10 victory over the San Diego Padres on Monday at Denver.

“One of the things we are holding on to inside the clubhouse is that no matter what happens, they are not going to back down,” Colorado Manager Clint Hurdle said. “We will not be intimidated.”

By far the youngest team in the majors, the Rockies started three rookies and two others who made their major league debuts. Just about all of them made an impact.

Ryan Speier got two outs in the ninth to win in his first career appearance and Jeff Baker started the ninth-inning rally and became the fifth Rockie player to homer in his major league debut.

Barmes became the first Colorado rookie to hit a game-ending homer and finished four for six with a double and drove in three runs.

“I’m still shaking. That’s the biggest rush I’ve ever felt,” Barmes said.

The game featured eight homers and 30 hits -- 16 for extra bases.

Philadelphia 8, Washington 4 -- Kenny Lofton hit a three-run homer at Philadelphia to help the Phillies ruin the Nationals’ debut.

Lofton reached four times and scored twice, helping Manager Charlie Manuel win his debut with the Phillies.

Terrmel Sledge hit the first homer in National history and drove in three runs. The team moved during the off-season after 36 seasons as the Montreal Expos.

Chicago 16, Arizona 6 -- Derrek Lee had four hits, including a three-run homer, and drove in five runs to lead the Cubs at Phoenix.

Aramis Ramirez had three hits, including a two-run homer, and Todd Walker, Jeromy Burnitz and Corey Patterson each had three hits for the Cubs, who had 23 hits and set a team record for runs in an opener.

Milwaukee 9, Pittsburgh 2 -- Ben Sheets gave up two runs in seven innings at Pittsburgh to beat Oliver Perez in a matchup of two of the National League’s best young starters.

Jeff Cirillo, who played for Milwaukee from 1994 to 1999, homered and doubled for the Brewers.