Colorado 8, Chicago 4

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) -- Colorado's Jeff Baker hit a three-run homer in the top of the ninth inning to give the Rockies an 8-4 win Wednesday over the Chicago White Sox in the Cactus League opener for both teams.

Baker, who also doubled in the eighth, hit his first homer of the spring off Felix Diaz. His blast capped a four-run ninth inning for the Rockies, who needed the insurance runs after Chicago's Jorge Toca drove in a pair of runs in the bottom of the ninth.

The loss spoiled the American debut of Japanese All-Star Tadahito Iguchi, who went 0-for-2 in his first game as the White Sox's starting second baseman.

Colorado's Chico Freeman hit a double off Damaso Marte that scored two runs in the sixth inning and gave the Rockies a 3-1 lead. Marte (0-1) allowed both runs, three hits and a walk in an inning of work. The Rockies' Jason Young (1-0) picked up the victory.

The White Sox (0-1) tied the game at 1-1 in the fifth inning when Juan Uribe and Scott Podsednik hit back-to-back singles and Iguchi reached on an error to load the bases. Carl Everett hit into a double play to score Uribe. Podsednik finished up 3-for-3 in his White Sox debut.

Chicago had a chance to do some damage in the bottom of the fourth inning but failed to get the ball out of the infield with the bases loaded and one out.

The Rockies (1-0) took a 1-0 lead in the third when Reggie Taylor singled, was moved over to second on a ground out and scored on a single by Andy Tracey.

Notes: Colorado has named left-handed pitcher Joe Kennedy as its opening day starter to the 2005 season on April 4 against San Diego.