Baseball: Mayne picks up win for Rockies over Braves

DENVER, Colo. - It was definitely uncharted waters for Colorado

Rockies catcher Brent Mayne.

The Costa Mesa High and Orange Coast College standout was called on in

the 12th inning of Tuesday night’s game with the Atlanta Braves to make

an emergency relief appearance.

Mayne, who later told reporters that he had never pitched before,

either professional or amateur, retired the side in 16 pitches (nine strikes) and picked up the win as the host Rockies won in 12 innings,

7-6.

Mayne became the first major league position player with a win since

outfielder Rocky Colavito threw 2 2/3 shutout innings for the New York

Yankees against Detroit on Aug. 25, 1968.

The last National League position player to pick up a win was

Pittsburgh second baseman Johnny O’Brien, who threw 2 1/3 scoreless

innings against Philadelphia on July 3, 1956.

Colorado used 10 pitchers in the game, tying the NL record set by the

Chicago Cubs against Pittsburgh in a 17-inning game that began on April

20, 1986 and was completed that Aug. 11.

Mayne’s first batter, ironically, was Atlanta pitcher Tom Glavine, who

was used as a pinch-hitter.

Mayne retired Glavine on a comeback grounder, then tricked Walt Weiss

into flying out to center.

Rafael Furcal singled and moved up to second on a wild pitch.

After Andrew Jones walked, Mayne retired reigning NL MVP Chipper Jones

on a check-swing groundout to third.

The Rockies won the game in the bottom of the 12th on an RBI single by

Adam Melhuse, his first career hit.

In doing what he does best, Mayne (1-0) is hitting .296 with five home

runs and 55 RBIs.