It began like so many games do in Colorado. The Rockies scored four runs in the bottom of the first. The Padres answered with a four-spot of their own in the top of the second. But a funny thing happened on the way to a typical Coors Field slugfest, the starting pitchers settled down and the relievers held their own. After the third inning both teams combined for just two runs. The Padres evened the series, winning 7-5.

Starter Eric Stults was shaky right out of the gate. Spotted with a 1-0 lead, he gave up five hits and a walk that led to four Colorado runs. He did a nice job of damage control after that first inning barrage and pitched into the fifth before getting the hook.

The Padres offense was powered by Nick Hundley's two run shot in the second and Jedd Gyorko solo blast in the third.

Reliever Tim Stauffer got the decision and Huston Street shut down his former team for his 23rd save of the season.

First pitch of the series finale is set for 12:10 PDT Wednesday.