DENVER, Aug. 18 (UPI) -- Carlos Gonzalez started and finished an early outburst with run-producing hits Wednesday that sent the Colorado Rockies coasting past Florida 12-5.
Gonzalez singled in the first of five runs in the opening inning and then delivered a three-run homer that concluded the scoring during a six-run third.
Colorado pounded out 15 hits and handed Florida starter Ricky Nolasco the worst outing of his six-year career. Nolasco (9-9) allowed 11 runs on 11 hits in three innings.
Despite the battering, Nolasco tied Dontrelle Willis for the franchise's career strikeout record at 757.
Chris Iannetta joined Gonzalez with four RBI, contributing a three-run double in the first and a run-scoring single in the third.
Aaron Cook (3-7) took a shutout into the eighth and eventually gave up three runs on nine hits over 7 2/3 innings to get the win. It was his first victory at home this season.
