Rockies take two of three from Padres

DENVER -- Individual accomplishments were about all the Colorado Rockies had to talk about this late in seasons past. Not this September.

Colorado beat San Diego, 4-2, on Sunday to take two of three in the series and close to within three games of the wild-card-leading Padres.

“We won a series we needed to win,” Manager Clint Hurdle said.

Garrett Atkins hit a two-run homer as part of a three-run first inning, and Todd Helton had two of Colorado’s four hits.

The Rockies are treating every game like a playoff contest.

That’s why Hurdle turned the ball over to closer Manny Corpas with a 4-2 lead, one out in the eighth and runners on first and third. Corpas got pinch-hitter Brian Myrow to ground into an inning-ending double play.

Corpas then got three straight outs in the ninth for his 14th save in 16 opportunities. He is 14 for 14 since making his first appearance as a closer on July 7.