GAME DAY

3 wins for the Rockies in three games against the White Sox, including a 7-4 victory on Thursday at Hi Corbett Field. . . . Garrett Atkins was 2-for-3 with two RBI and a run scored, leaving him with a .500 average this spring. . . . Right-handed pitcher Dave Veres added another 1-2-3 inning to his spring training résumé. . . . Jeremy Affeldt rebounded from giving up three runs in his previous appearances to retire all three batters he faced. . . . The Rockies and White Sox played to a 6-6 tie in a morning B game in which Aaron Cook worked four innings, giving up two runs.

HELTON AILING

First baseman Todd Helton continues to be slowed by inflammation in his right knee. He was scratched from the lineup Thursday and won't play today because the Rockies are traveling to Peoria, Ariz., to play Seattle, and Helton rarely makes that trip. He is on the list for the game Saturday against the White Sox at Hi Corbett Field.

"He is going to have plenty of opportunities to get the at-bats he needs," manager Clint Hurdle said.

GOOD, BAD

Right fielder Jeff Baker hit a towering home run to center field that gave the Rockies a 6-2 lead against the White Sox. He also was charged with an error on a line drive by Tadahito Iguchi in the seventh, a reminder to Baker of the need to keep his defensive focus in his move from the infield to the outfield.

"He can swing the bat and change the direction of a ballgame," Hurdle said. "He has to find a way to keep involved (defensively)."