Colorado Rockies: Wrapping Up the First Weekend of Spring Training Games

Feb 16, 2017; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Colorado Rockies players stretch during a workout at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 16, 2017; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Colorado Rockies players stretch during a workout at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tyler Anderson of the Colorado Rockies
Aug 19, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Tyler Anderson (44) delivers a pitch against the Chicago Cubs at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

While Colorado’s offense was clicking on all gears against Arizona on Saturday and Sunday, the Rockies pitching corps was impressive when needed.

Tyler Anderson got off to a tough start on Saturday, giving up five hits and three earned runs in just 1.1 innings. Arizona knocked him around in his 37-pitch outing. That was the bad news on the mound for Colorado. However, there were plenty of positives.

Colorado’s next six Saturday pitchers allowed three hits and no earned runs over the next 6.2 innings. They each had their impressive moments, but Jordan Lyles struck out two of the three batters he faced, giving hope that last season’s bullpen stint will settle him in in the role even more this season.

On Sunday, Arizona could muster just four hits and one run against six Colorado pitchers. Chris Rusin started and looked solid, allowing one hit over two innings.

Yency Almonte showed why the Rockies placed him on their 40-man roster by striking out three in his two innings of work. The changeup seemingly impressed Colorado’s radio team.

It wasn’t all good news for the Rockies on Sunday against Arizona as Jason Motte struggled yet again, giving up two hits and allowing Arizona’s lone run. Yes it’s early, but the veteran didn’t come out of the gate strong in his first spring training appearance.

In Colorado’s other split squad game against the Chicago White Sox (a 7-3 loss), German Marquez continued to make his case to be Colorado’s fifth starter this season. He allowed two hits and no runs in his start.

Next: Our Exclusive Chat with MLB Insider Chris Cotillo

Shane Carle gave up two unearned runs in his lone inning of work against the White Sox.