Hail, flooding cause delay at Coors before Jays-Rockies

DENVER – Rain and hail came down on Coors Field in a fierce, hour-long downpour that forced officials to delay the start of an interleague game Tuesday night between the Toronto Blue Jays and Colorado Rockies.

Heavy runoff poured into the Rockies’ dugout and tunnel leading into the clubhouse, causing some flooding. Grounds crew workers were able to clear the water away by sandbagging the tunnel entrance and clearing debris over the drains, allowing the pooled water to dissipate.

Other members of the crew used shovels, squeegees and large brooms to scrape the water and pea-sized hail from the field.

An air blower also was driven across the field to help dry it out and an absorbent mix was thrown onto the infield to soak up additional moisture.

First pitch was thrown at 9:21 p.m., which was 2 hours, 41 minutes after the scheduled start time.