Bonds Finally Hits Homer

DENVER — Barry Bonds homered for the first time this season, hitting No. 709 of his career to help the San Francisco Giants beat the Colorado Rockies, 6-4, Saturday night.

Bonds sliced a belt-high fastball from right-hander Aaron Cook (1-3) to left field, moving within five home runs of Babe Ruth for the most by a left-handed hitter. It came in Bonds’ 31st at-bat and 14th game this year.

For Bonds, it was one of his longest droughts to start a season. In 1998, he didn’t homer until his 13th game. That blast came in his 55th at-bat, the longest season-opening drought of his career when healthy.

“Today, I tried to think a little differently and be more aggressive,” Bonds said. “I just tried it in the first at-bat.”

Brad Hennessey (2-0) got the win, giving up four runs and five hits in seven innings. Before the game, the Rockies put slugger Todd Helton on the 15-day disabled list because of a stomach ailment.