A night that began in celebration ended in defeat for the Colorado Springs Sky Sox on Tuesday.

Tacoma put a damper on the home team's festivities with a 9-4 victory before 1,826 fans at Security Service Field to earn a split of their four-game series.

Before the game, National League championship rings were presented to 10 Sky Sox players for their contributions to the 2007 pennant won by the Colorado Rockies. Six others connected with the Sky Sox or Rockies also received rings.

The ceremony - and the game's first pitch - was delayed 32 minutes due to the late arrival of Rockies owners Charlie and Dick Monfort. Making the trip with the Monforts were assistant general manager Bill Geivett, director of player development Marc Gustafson and Walter Sylvester, an assistant in player development.

"It was a great honor to get (the ring)," said Sky Sox center fielder Cory Sullivan, who had two hits and two RBIs. "It was exciting. All of us feel like we earned it."

All five Sky Sox starters who received a ring - Sullivan, Ian Stewart, Seth Smith, Sean Barker and Joe Koshansky - either scored a run or had an RBI.

Smith, who drew three walks to contribute to the team's league-leading total, said, "We would much rather have been at Coors Field (in Denver) with the rest of the guys to get the ring but it was nice. It was like a late Christmas. The big-league team got their's about two weeks ago

"But it's an awesome ring."

Sky Sox manager Tom Runnells, who grew up with the Monfort brothers in Greeley, received a ring, as did pitching coach Chuck Kniffin.

"It was very special to get a ring from them, especially since I'm personal friends with them," Runnells said. "They are very generous."

The Sky Sox fell behind 4-0, got two runs on Sullivan's double in the fifth and two on two walks, Barker's double and a wild pitch in the sixth.

Rainiers third baseman Matt Tuiasosopo had a triple, single and four RBIs while Bryan LaHair and Jeff Clement each had three hits.

"We have a much better club than we showed tonight," Runnels said. We just need to forget this one quickly."

Rainiers starter Andy Baldwin blanked the Sky Sox for four innings on just one hit. Normally a reliever, he was pressed into starting duty when R.A. Dickey, was promoted to the Mariners on Sunday.

Others honored
Also receiving rings were infielder Omar Quintanilla; catcher Edwin Bellorin; relievers Alberto Arias, Josh Newman and Juan Morillo; Sky Sox president and general manager Tony Ensor; Rockies roving outfielder and baserunning coordinator Trenidad Hubbard; Sky Sox trainer Heath Townsend; and Rockies area scout Chris Forbes.