March 12th, Colorado Rockies Spring Training Game stuff

 Under the category of "random Rockies players a fella liked too much", Jose Iglesias led the game off for the San Diego Padres. Yes it's absolutely cause he cried after he got his first hit as Rockie which was also his first hit since his father passed away. Preseason success against a "stop on the road team" for him is allowed. Unless you are really rooting for Jake Woodford to make the Opening Day roster or at least position himself to be an early callup during the season.

This would be Woodford's third consecutive outing giving up at least a run. He did finish strong retiring the side in the second inning.

In the bottom of the second, Thairo Estrada singled, stole second, moved to third on a "productive out" by Hunter Goodman then scored on a wild pitch. While Iglesias was tasked with keeping the seat warm while Rockies fans awaited the arrival Tovar, Estrada is in the same position as fans await Adael Amador. Let's hope this script plays out as well with Jose & Ezequiel.

Bradley Blalock, who has earned himself a lot of unexpected consideration for making the Opening Day roster, pitched the third and fourth innings. In what is familiar with Rockies fans, Blalock had traffic on the bases in both innings but was able to work himself out of trouble both times. 

The offense awoke from it's week long slumber in the bottom of the 4th. Nolan Jones with his second hit of the afternoon made it 2-1. Sean Bouchard's second hit of the game made it 3-1. Brenton Doyle joined the hit parade extending the lead to 4-1. With the bases loaded, Ryan McMahon was hit by a pitch making it 5-1 Rockies. With the bases still loaded, Kris Bryant's popped out moving him to 0-for-3 on the day thus far. 

Going back to pitchers earning themselves unexpected consideration for the Opening Day roster, Zach Agnos come in to pitch the 5th and 6th innings. He would strike out the side in the 5th but with a single breaking up the perfect inning. Agnos would walk the leadoff batter in the 6th, then retire the side in order.

In the middle of Agnos' two innings the Rockies added 4 more runs. Jones' 3rd hit of the afternoon, 1st double of the spring, plated Michael Toglia and Hunter Goodman. Bouchard's 3rd hit of the game was a home run cashing in Jones and ballooning the lead to 9-1. The inning ended on a Bryant pop out to second base, he clearly didn't get the memo about today being the day the offense came back.

Jaden Hill, who had given up a run his previous outing on the mound, put up a much needed zero. Not much needed for the game but for the battles brewing in the bullpen. Everything feels hopeful in March but this bullpen may not stink this season.

Jones led off the bottom of the 7th with his 4th hit of the game. He entered the game with only 5. Aaron Schunk would collect his first RBI of the spring driving home Jones' pinch runner Braiden Ward.

Scott Alexander gave up a leadoff double then a walk to start the top of the 8th. He would work himself out of the jam putting up his second zero in three appearances.

Bases loaded in the bottom of the 8th, Zac Veen at the plate. He clears the bags with a triple and is really making Rockies management what do with him - major leagues and limited at-bats or minors and regular playing time? One wishes he trusted Manager Black to find situations to play the rookie if he made the Opening Day roster.

Diego Castillo's underwhelming spring continues as San Diego would score in the top of the 9th. For the caliber of batters he is facing, the expectation of him being a steadying force in a young bullpen does not seem imminent. Needing the bright lights to perform well is a real thing for some athletes, you do not want that from someone weighted with the expectation of veteran presence.