The Rockies did what they had to do, keep winning, win at home and beat the Giants in the series, extending their lead in the race for the wild card, and maybe division championship. Ryan Spilborghs, whom you can call a glue guy, sent everyone home with a grand slam in the 14th inning Monday to put the Rockies 18 games over .500 (72-54).

As bad as Adam Eaton was in relief, pitching continues to be the reason for Colorado's success. The Rockies have never been better in that area. The key is what happens with Aaron Cook out for some time? Josh Fogg, once a surprisingly good starter, enters the rotation. Hard to feel good about that since his time in Cincinnati, post-Denver, was not pretty.

General manager Dan O'Dowd has made some mistakes in his time but he is developing pitching in the organization. That and chemistry are making the Rockies relevant.

The first-place Dodgers are up next, followed by a coastal visit to play the Giants. You have to wonder how the Rockies will do tonight after that marathon game against San Francisco. Clayton Kershaw and Randy Wolf will be throwing in this series so the Rockies will have to be good, maybe real good, to scratch out runs to stay in games.