NEW YORK>> Say this for the Rockies: At least they made it interesting Friday night.

Down five runs after five innings, Brendan Rodgers, Charlie Blackmon and Brenton Doyle all homered between the seventh and eighth innings to pull Colorado within a run of the New York Mets in the opening game of their three-game set at Citi Field.

But Ezequiel Tovar struck out swinging with the tying runner on second base in the top of the ninth, as the Rockies dropped to 1-4 on their current road trip following a 7-6 loss to the Mets.

Michael Toglia also homered for Colorado, which is now 33-62 this season after another ineffective outing on the mound.

This time it was right-hander Tanner Gordon who got shelled to the tune of six runs on eight hits (four home runs) and two walks over three-plus innings. The Rockies have allowed six runs or more in five of their last six games.

All told, the Mets smacked a season-high five homers, with Harrison Bader and Jose Iglesias both going deep twice. That included Iglesias’ solo shot off Peter Lambert in the bottom of the fifth that proved to be the difference in the game.

Mark Vientos hit the Mets’ other homer and drilled an RBI double as New York (48-45) improved to 4-0 on a six-game homestand against the struggling Nationals and Rockies leading into the All-Star break. New York has won six of seven overall, improving to 24-10 since it was 11 games under .500 on June 2.

Sean Manaea (6-3) threw 74 of his season-high 107 pitches for strikes over seven innings, striking out nine to win his third straight decision.

He handed a 7-3 lead to New York’s shaky bullpen, which barely held on.

Blackmon homered against Jake Diekman to start the eighth, and Doyle shaved it to 7-6 with a two-run shot off Phil Maton.

In between, Iglesias left his feet at third base to snare Elias Díaz’s 109.4 mph line drive, which got stuck in the webbing of his glove.

Edwin Díaz finally shut the door, working around consecutive two-out walks in a hitless ninth for his 10th save in 15 tries.

Marquez to make MLB return Sunday>> The last-place Rockies received some good news on the medical report.

German Marquez threw a bullpen at Citi Field and is scheduled to start Sunday against the New York Mets in his long-awaited return from Tommy John surgery. He’s been on a rehab assignment in the minor leagues but hasn’t pitched in the majors since April 26, 2023.

“It’s going to be good to have him back. He’s super excited to be back. The guys are pumped to have him here and ready for Sunday,” manager Bud Black said. “So, we’re anxiously awaiting his return to our rotation. He feels good. Came out of his rehab starts very good — after the game, next day, bounce back, so he feels good.”

Marquez is expected to throw 75-90 pitches Sunday. The 29-year-old right-hander has won at least 11 games four times and is 65-56 with a 4.41 ERA in eight big league seasons — all with the Rockies.

“He’s a team guy first. He cares about each and every player. He cares about the organization,” Black said. “Just his nature is such where you feel good about it. He’s a great competitor. He loves this organization. He’s that type of guy.”

In addition, oft-injured Rockies slugger Kris Bryant took batting practice indoors and increased the intensity of his strength-and-conditioning workout. It is “highly likely” he will begin a minor league rehab assignment next Friday right after the All-Star break, Black said.

The 32-year-old Bryant has been sidelined since June 3 with a bruised left rib.