Jeff Francis has successful debut

A year ago, Rockies starting pitcher Jeff Francis dreaded pitching at home, posting a 6.96 ERA in 12 starts at Coors Field. If 2013 is going to be better for him, he certainly got off to a promising start Friday against the Padres.

Francis limited the light-hitting Padres to just one earned run in six innings of work. He allowed two hits and a stolen base in the first inning to bring in a run. He silenced the Padres from then on, allowing five hits overall, while striking out five batters and walking just one. Francis earned the win, in a 5-2 game.

A year ago, Francis had just one start at home that went at least six innings, and it was against these same Padres. He is scheduled to make his next start Wednesday against the Giants in San Francisco. Francis went 0-3 against the Giants last season with a 10.03 ERA, however he held them to just two runs in five innings of work in his lone start at AT&T Park.