Rockies Come Back Against Team USA, Or, Against Themselves

When the Colorado Rockies played in an exhibition contest Wednesday against the team that will represent the United States in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, they mounted a comeback that stoked memories of “LoDo Magic.” After digging a hole for themselves by falling behind by a large margin, they knocked 7 hits in the 9th inning on their way to a walk-off 8-7 victory.

Pacheco was in on the rally for the Rockies on Wednesday. Image: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Upon seeing that you might think to yourself: “Gosh, are you sure the Rockies were actually playing against Team USA? It sounds like they were playing the Rockies, if you know what I mean.” So it turns out…

…they actually were. Sorta. You know when you’re playing in a recreational baseball or basketball league and the other team doesn’t have enough guys? So then some poor sucker has to throw on a smelly yellow penny and awkwardly play for the other team, either as a warm body in the outfield or the guy standing in the corner to whom nobody passes the ball. That’s what was happening with the Rockies and Team USA on Wednesday.

While Kyle Parker spent some time roaming the outfield, the Rockies hitters scorched their own minor league pitchers, Jeff Manship, Nick Schmidt, and Logan Kensing, for all 8 of their runs. Worry not: those Rockies who played for USA were provided with meal money and a hat.

The success of the offense late in this game ultimately means very little; the success of Drew Pomeranz at the beginning of the game, however, is significant. The young lefty looked solid in 2.2 innings of work. While he did give up a run, there was excitement across all Rockies coverage of the game about how well he pitched in some tight situations. A sign of maturity, perhaps.

On the discouraging side were the struggles of Chris Volstad. He lost his head start in the race for a spot in the rotation, but given the struggles of Juan Nicasio, he certainly has a good chance if he can rebound and pitch well for the rest of the month.

Cactus League action resumes Friday for the Rockies against the Kansas City Royals.