DENVER, Oct. 2 (UPI) -- Matt Holliday scored on a close play at home in the 13th inning Monday, rallying Colorado to a 9-8 tiebreaker win over San Diego for the NL wild card spot.
Holiday raced in when Jamey Carroll lifted a fly ball to right field and Brian Giles threw home. Catcher Michael Barrett blocked the plate with his foot and Holliday slid head-first with his face hitting the dirt. Replays showed Holliday never touched the plate, but when Barrett dropped the ball home plate umpire Tim McClelland ruled Holliday safe, completing the three-run rally.
The Padres' Scott Hairston hit a two-run shot in the top of the 13th off Jorge Julio, but Trevor Hoffman -- baseball's all-time saves leader -- blew a chance to lock up a playoff spot for San Diego for the second time in three games.
Hoffman (4-5) suffered the loss Monday, while Ramon Ortiz (1-0), the 10th Colorado pitcher of the night, got the win.
The Rockies (90-73) won 14 of their final 15 games to make the playoffs for the second time in team history and the first time since 1995. They advance to play the NL East champion Phillies in the Division Series, starting Wednesday.
