Cactus League: LaTroy Hawkins shaky in Colorado Rockies 7-5 loss to San Diego Padres

In a game that seemingly took an eternity to finish, the Colorado Rockies ended up losing late to the San Diego Padres, 7-5. Colorado had the lead entering the bottom half of the eighth inning, where LaTroy Hawkins came in to try and keep San Diego off the board. That didn’t quite happen, as LaTroy gave up a three spot to the Padres – which resulted in the lead and a victory.

The first batter of the inning, Rocky Gale, fell behind in the count 0-2, grounding out to LaTroy Hawkins for the first out. Here’s where LaTroy fell into trouble. On a 3-2 offering to Alexi Amarista, he singled on a line drive to right field, giving the Padres some life.

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The very next batter, Cameron Maybin, singled on an 0-2 pitch up the middle, reaching the center field grass. On LaTroy’s very next offering, Will Venable jumped all over the pitch, collecting a two RBI double to left field. Hawkins found himself in a hole, forcing another 3-2 offering to Yangervis Solarte, who then singled to right to plate Venable.

That was four-straight hits for the Padres in the bottom half of the eighth – not exactly what you expect out of your closer. But hey, its Spring Training, I suppose. Hawkins ended up collecting his first loss of Cactus League play this Spring, evening his record out at 1-1, (6.75 ERA).

Last season, Hawkins was a pleasant surprise for the Rockies, earning 23 saves over 26 save opportunities. “Hawk” finished the 2014 campaign out with a record of 4-3, including a 3.31 ERA. Over 54.1 innings pitched, Hawkins gave up 23 runs-20 earned, 13 walks, and 32 strikeouts. Not to mention, Hawkins only gave up the long-ball three times all of last season.

This should just be a minor bump in the road for the 42-year-old reliever. For your information, this was just his fourth appearance in Cactus League play this season, so fret not.

The Colorado Rockies (13-11) resume action in Cactus League play tomorrow afternoon, taking on the Chicago Cubs at 2:05 p.m. MST.