Daniel Murphy hit a three-run homer and a three-run double for a career-high six RBIs, leading Colorado over Cincinnati 12-2 and giving the Rockies consecutive wins for the first time since June 28 and 29. Game two of the series is Saturday night in Cincinnati.
Elsewhere in the National League: Ronald Acuna Jr. had two hits and three RBIs, Brian McCann hit a solo homer and Atlanta cruised past Philadelphia 9-2. The NL East leaders meet the Phillies again Saturday night in Philadelphia.
The Milwaukee Brewers edged the Chicago Cubs at home 3-2 Friday night. The Cubs are now a game behind St. Louis as they meet the Brewers again Saturday night.
Interleague: The St. Louis Cardinals got a go ahead two run home run from Paul Goldschmidt in the bottom of the 8th inning as they downed the Houston Astros 5-3. The teams play again Saturday night at Busch Stadium.