Francis gets first win as Rockies beat Twins, 6-2
by The Associated Press
 
DENVER -- Jeff Francis won for the first time this season and Todd Helton homered and drove in three runs as the Colorado Rockies beat the Minnesota Twins 6-2.

Francis struck out seven in 6-and-one-third innings for his first regular-season win since September 23rd.

Kevin Slowey gave up three runs in 5-and-two-thirds innings for the Twins. Slowey is 0-and-4.

Colorado has won two in a row after dropping six straight.

Justin Morneau got the Twins on the board in the sixth with a two-run homer, making it 2-1. With the Rockies trailing, and two outs, Helton hit a solo homer to right. Garret Atkins doubled and after Brad Hawpe walked, Jeff Baker singled up the middle to make it 3-2.

The Rockies got some insurance in the seventh. Helton smacked a two-run single to right, and after a walk loaded the bases, Colorado reliever Taylor Buchholz drew a walk off Jesse Crain to make it 6-2.