Mark Ellis had three hits, including a two-run homer, in his Colorado debut and Juan Nicasio allowed just three base hits over eight innings of work as the Rockies beat the slumping Kansas City Royals 9-0 on Friday night at Coors Field.

It was all Rockies. Troy Tulowitzki added a two-run homer, Todd Helton pitched in with a two-run double and pinch-hitter Charlie Blackmon hit his first homer of his major league career, on his 25th birthday.

Danny Duffy went five innings, allowing five runs and nine hits. He struck out six. He falls to 1-3. The Royals have lost 10 of their last 12.