Rosario doesn't look rusty, makes most of start

DENVER -- Rockies first baseman Wilin Rosario had not started since Monday, and he had just four at-bats between then and Saturday. But work in the batting cage kept him sharp enough to unleash three hits, including two home runs, in Saturday's 10-5 victory over the Marlins at Coors Field.

"It's like when you're building the house, and on the last day the people give it to you, you feel really happy," Rosario said.

Manager Walt Weiss wants to platoon the right-handed-hitting Rosario and lefty-swinging Ben Paulsen. The problem is the Rockies' schedule is light on lefty pitchers.

Rosario hasn't pouted. He had hits in three of the four off-the-bench at-bats, and he was ready for Saturday, when he knocked an RBI single in the first inning and homered in the third and fourth. All of the hits came off Marlins starter David Phelps.

"I've been working on my rhythm and my mechanics," said Rosario, who has managed a .311 batting average, four home runs and 12 RBIs in 90 at-bats in his first year as a part-time player, after formerly being the Rockies' regular catcher. "I don't get many at-bats, so I have to be focused on the situations to help my team."

Rosario also had a strong day scooping low throws at first base. His lack of experience there shows when new situations arise, but his comfort level with the basics is growing.

"That was more fun than hitting -- those were the first couple of good plays I've made," Rosario said. "I've made some progress."