The big hit for Colorado earlier came from September callup Seth Smith, who tripled in the sixth and scored on Matsui’s shallow sacrifice fly for a 6-5 lead.

Colorado went ahead 3-0 early only to watch Adrian Gonzalez erase the margin with his first career grand slam in a five-run third inning, which Peavy ignited with a single.

The Rockies came back to tie on Helton’s 17th homer in the bottom half and Holliday’s RBI single in the fifth off Peavy, who looked little like the Cy Young Award candidate he’s been this season.

Peavy allowed six runs and 10 hits in 6 1-3 innings. He failed in his bid for his 20th win — Boston’s Josh Beckett was the only pitcher this year to achieve the feat.

Rockies starter Josh Fogg gave up five runs and eight hits in four-plus innings.

The Rockies won a franchise-best 90 games and are owners of the second-best record in the majors since mid-May.

Helton, the subject of trade rumors last winter, is heading to the postseason for the first time in his 11-year career. His 1,578 games in the majors are the third-most by any active player without a playoff appearance.

“That’s the best shower I ever had in my life,” a drenched Helton said in the clubhouse. “I never knew champagne could feel so good.”

Notes: The Rockies thought Garrett Atkins homered in the seventh, but umpire Tim Tschida ruled it hit the yellow railing and bounced back. Crew chief Ed Montague told The Associated Press all six umpires agreed “it hit the yellow pad and came back. The yellow pad was in play. (Hurdle) said it was over. But we looked at that and there’s no way it went over.” ... It was the first time San Diego had a two-run lead in extras and lost since June 13, 2004, when the Padres dropped a 6-5, 12-inning decision at Yankee Stadium, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

MORE FROM BASEBALL

Baseball Section Front

GMs head out to work on offseason trades Report: Mets, Phillies interested in Figgins MLB blog: Tigers listening to offers for Granderson Blyleven: Pitching to be had beyond Halladay Varitek exercises option to remain with Red Sox MLB blog: Mariners are bringing back Griffey ... why? AP sources: Riggleman staying as Nationals manager Wainwright: Holliday wants to return to Cards Cardinals GM still trying to get McGwire to talk to media MLB blog: NL Gold Glove picks were right, unlike AL's   Baseball Section Front   Add Baseball headlines to your news reader: