SEATTLE — It’s not often that you see a major-league rookie do a veteran-style bat flip like the one Noel Cuevas pulled off Saturday afternoon.
But the Rockies’ outfielder certainly was entitled, even if it was just the second home run of his career.
Cuevas, the No. 9 hitter in the order, smashed a three-run home run to left field in the seventh inning off Mariners strikeout artist James Paxon to lead Colorado to a 5-1 victory at Safeco Field. The rally began with Pat Valaika drawing a walk and Gerardo Parra advancing him third.
The rolling Rockies (46-43) have won five straight games, eight of their last nine and 12 of their last 17, putting them smack in the middle of contention in the National League West.