Story pushes Rockies closer to berth

DENVER — Nolan Arenado was intentionally walked twice by the Marlins to face the cleanup hitter, Trevor Story.

On both occasions, Story delivered. He relishes having the big moment in his hands.

Next up, an even bigger moment for Story and the Rockies — trying to lock up their first postseason spot since 2009.

Ian Desmond hit a three-run homer as part of a six-run second inning and the playoff-chasing Rockies beat the Marlins 15-9 on Wednesday, setting up a weekend to remember at Coors Field.

The Rockies extended their lead for the second National League wild card to 21⁄2 games over the Brewers, who lost 6-0 to the Reds, and 31⁄2 games over the Cardinals, who fell 5-1 to the Cubs.

“This is what we signed up for,” said Story, who followed with a two-run single in the second and a two-run double in the fourth when the Marlins worked around Arenado. “We believe we can do it.”

Down 15-5, the Marlins began the ninth inning with four straight doubles and later added two more singles before being shut down.

Jon Gray (10-4) lasted six innings and allowed three runs. The ace of the staff has now allowed three or fewer runs in 13 straight starts.

Gray shut down Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton, striking him out three times. Stanton remained at a major-league-leading 57 homers.

“The problem here in the past is we never had a shut-down guy,” Arenado said. “The Dodgers could lose three or four in a row and they know Clayton Kershaw is going to the bump. We have Gray. We know Gray can do that for us and be that guy for us. It’s a good feeling.”