Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Chad Bettis high-fives teammates in the dugout before a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Monday, Aug. 14, 2017, in Denver. The game marks Bettis' first of the year after battling cancer. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Chad Bettis high-fives teammates in the dugout before a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Monday, Aug. 14, 2017, in Denver. The game marks Bettis' first of the year after battling cancer. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey) Credit: Jack Dempsey

Denver — Chad Bettis drew a standing ovation when he took the mound for the first time since cancer treatment, then threw seven impressive innings on Monday night as the Colorado Rockies beat the Atlanta Braves, 3-0.

Bettis scattered six hits, walked none and struck out two. He hadn’t pitched in the majors since being diagnosed with testicular cancer in November.

Bettis had surgery for the condition, but tests in March showed the cancer had spread to his lymph nodes. He later underwent chemotherapy.

The crowd at Coors Field gave Bettis a big cheer as he went out to pitch the first inning. The Braves’ best chance to score against him came when Ender Inciarte led off with a triple, but he was thrown out trying to stretch it to an inside-the-park home run.

The 28-year-old Bettis led Colorado in starts (32), wins (14) and innings (186) last season. He left for a pinch-hitter in the seventh with the game still scoreless.

Colorado scored three times in the eighth off Rex Brothers (2-3), who relieved starter Julio Teheran.

Mike Dunn (5-1) got the win and Greg Holland closed for his 35th save.

The Rockies are thrilled to see Bettis back on the mound after cancer treatment. The prospect of the right-hander helping them in a playoff push, that’s a bonus.

“It’s really cool with all the stuff he’s been through he’s back here and ready to go,” teammate Jon Gray said before Monday night’s game. “I can’t wait to see him compete.”

The 28-year-old discovered a lump on his testicle last fall and underwent surgery to remove one of them. He passed subsequent follow-up screenings and was healthy enough to report to spring training. But a regular screening on March 10 led to a biopsy being done, which revealed the cancer had spread to his lymph nodes.

Bettis underwent nine weeks of chemotherapy but kept up his conditioning throughout. He was sent on a minor league rehab assignment July 13 and worked his way back to the rotation, much to the pleasure of his team.

“Everyone loves him,” third baseman Nolan Arenado said. “He tries to help. I always see him in the video room trying to help the young guys. He’s just a great teammate.”

Bettis’ return was expected to be emotional, but the Rockies are hoping he can boost the staff. His best outing last season was a two-hit shutout against San Francisco on Sept. 5, and he was expected to anchor a young rotation this season before being diagnosed with cancer.

He comes back to a team holding onto the second NL wild card spot. Colorado was 21 games above .500 in June but has gone 18-26 since, so getting Bettis back gives the Rockies a chance to strengthen the rotation.

“This is a pitcher, when he’s throwing well, will have an impact on the game every time he takes the mound,” manager Bud Black said. “He wants to be a part of this and make a contribution.”