""Iron Man" was a hit at the box office. Beyonce was talking about rings more than the New York football Giants were. And Michael Phelps was a human dolphin.

The year was 2008, the last time Aaron Cook pitched like he did on Wednesday night. That season, the right-hander made the National League all-star team, using a sinker that was the equivalent of a bowling ball rolling off a picnic table.

That pitch, in witness protection forever it seems, returned in full force Wednesday as Cook strong-armed the Rockies to a 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers. He avoided a sweep, broke a four-game losing streak and made fans think.

What if Cook could have done this when he came back a month ago? Perhaps the Rockies wouldn't be in this predicament, drawing more attention for the trading deadline than the standings.

"It's very important that we finish strong," said manager Jim Tracy, whose team moved to seven games under .500.

For that to happen, Tracy explained, the Rockies need to take advantage of offensive opportunities with runners in scoring position and get more reliable starting pitching. In the series finale, every line of the blueprint was connected for one of the few times since mid-April.

Cook, who has won his past two starts, worked seven scoreless innings, complementing his fastball with a strong overhand curve. He recorded 13 groundball outs. "