San Francisco Giants pitching ace Tim Lincecum gave up seven runs as the Giants lost to the Colorado Rockies 7-4 in a showdown of NL West contenders. Rockies outfielder Carlos Gonzales hit a three-run homer to cap off a wild start for Lincecum.

In a close game through five innings, the Giants appeared to take control of the game in the sixth inning on homers by Andres Torres and Nate Shierholtz which gave the Giants a 4-2 lead.

But the Rockies quickly took back the momentum in the bottom of the sixth, when Lincecum couldn't record the final out and allowed the back-breaking home run by Gonzales.

San Francisco batters also grounded into four double-plays in the game, which killed several possible rallies.

The win allowed the Rockies to move within a half-game of the division leading Giants.

Major league baseball