Diamondbacks earn 1st DH sweep on road since 2006

DENVER (AP) Robbie Ray allowed just one run in a park notorious for chewing up young pitchers.

His reward? A trip straight back to the minor leagues.

Then again, he knew this would happen no matter how well he performed.

Paul Goldschmidt homered and Ray threw six efficient innings in a spot start, helping the Arizona Diamondbacks complete their first doubleheader road sweep since 2006 with a 5-1 victory over the scuffling Colorado Rockies on Wednesday night.

''I did my job,'' Ray said. ''I helped the team win the game.''

Just that kind of day for the Diamondbacks. In the opening game, Aaron Hill tied a career high with four RBIs, including a three-run homer, as they breezed to a 13-7 win.

Rain postponed the first two games of the series. A light drizzle fell during the second game with lightning flashes creeping closer and closer, but they were able to squeeze it in.

Ray (1-0), who allowed five hits, will be sent right back to Triple-A Reno.

''I went out throwing like I would any day,'' Ray said. ''It didn't change the way I pitched. I was the same guy pitching in the big leagues or pitching in Triple-A.''

His outing certainly caught the eye of manager Chip Hale, who said after the game, ''when we need somebody he's going to be the guy.''

Jordan Lyles (2-3) allowed four runs in seven innings as the Rockies dropped their seventh straight.

During the streak Colorado has been outscored 65-25. Manager Walt Weiss wasn't around to see much of the second game after being ejected by plate umpire Bill Miller in the third inning for arguing balls and strikes.

Troy Tulowitzki sat on the bench for a while after the game, contemplating a slump that's dropped his team into last place in the NL West.

''I care,'' the Colorado shortstop said. ''I can be in this clubhouse until midnight, which I probably will be.

''Bottom line: We haven't played good baseball.''

Weiss certainly won't argue that.

''But there's no magic pill - show up and compete,'' Weiss said. ''We've got to pitch better. We've got to take better at-bats. We've got to play better.''

The last time Arizona won a doubleheader on the road was June 3, 2006, at Atlanta. The 18 combined runs are also the most the team has ever scored in a doubleheader.

What's more, Hill had six hits Wednesday, which was one shy of matching the team record for a doubleheader set by Devon White on April 16, 1998, at St. Louis.

David Peralta broke a tie in the fifth with a two-out, two-run double that just got over the outstretched glove of right fielder Charlie Blackmon. Goldschmidt followed with an RBI single to give the Diamondbacks a 4-1 lead.

That was more than enough for Ray, who was pulled after throwing 92 pitches.

Goldschmidt had a rough opening game of the doubleheader, going 0-for-5 with four strikeouts and a walk. But he made up for it in the second game with a solo homer in the fourth.

Mike McKenry drove in Colorado's lone run with an RBI double in the fourth.

Ray was helped out by his defense, with Ender Inciarte making a running grab in right to quell a rally in the third - Inciarte also had two catches at the wall in the first game - and Goldschmidt coming up with a diving stop at first base in the fifth.

TRAINER'S ROOM

Diamondbacks: Hale isn't sure when Patrick Corbin (elbow) will pitch again after the left-hander threw three innings Tuesday in an extended spring training game. ''I think they might be giving him six days,'' Hale said. ... Hale had no update on 3B Jake Lamb (left foot stress reaction), who recently was cleared to walk on a treadmill.

Rockies: Closer Adam Ottavino (elbow) was scheduled to meet with Dr. James Andrews on Wednesday. Ottavino is concerned he will need season-ending Tommy John surgery. ''Could be a long road ahead,'' Weiss said. ''But he's ready for that.'' ... RHP LaTroy Hawkins (biceps tendinitis) was slated to resume throwing Wednesday. ''We're not rushing this thing,'' Hawkins said.

UP NEXT

Diamondbacks: RHP Rubby De La Rosa (2-2, 5.40) will face the San Diego Padres on Thursday.

Rockies: Day off Thursday. Eddie Butler (2-2, 3.81) throws Friday when Colorado opens a three-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.