DENVER, Sept. 26 (UPI) -- Matt Cain took a no-hitter into the eighth inning Sunday and the San Francisco Giants jumped into first place with a 4-2 win over Colorado.
Cain (13-10) was dominant, holding the Rockies hitless until Jay Payton broke up his no-hit bid with an infield single with one out in the eighth.
The Giants right-hander ended up allowing three hits -- including a pinch-hit homer to Melvin Mora -- and just one walk en route to his fourth straight winning decision.
San Francisco took over first place in the National League West thanks to the victory and the San Diego Padres' defeat at the hands of the Cincinnati Reds Sunday.
The Giants got homers from Freddy Sanchez and Cody Ross in the key triumph.
Rockies starter Jorge De La Rosa (8-6) surrendered three runs on four hits over six innings to take the bitter loss, which dealt a blow to the team's dimming playoff hopes.
Third-place Colorado ended the day 4 1/2 games behind San Francisco in the NL West.
