By: Dennis and Kathi Brown Posted at: 04/18/2012 09:45 PM
By PAT GRAHAM
AP Sports Writer
DENVER (AP) - Juan Nicasio threw 6 1-3 solid innings for his first win since returning from a broken neck, lifting the Colorado Rockies over the San Diego Padres 8-4 on Wednesday night.
Nicasio (1-0) gave up four runs and seven hits as he made his second start at Coors Field since Aug. 5, when he was hit in the right temple by a line drive and suffered a fractured skull along with the neck injury.
The hard-throwing righty earned a spot in the rotation with a strong spring - a remarkable recovery considering that doctors were fearful he might not walk again after the accident, let alone take the mound.
Nicasio also singled home a run, the first RBI of the young pitcher's career.
Chase Headley homered twice for the Padres.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
