Growing Pains: Another rough start for Colorado's Chase Dollander

It wasn’t long ago that Colorado Rockies’ super prospect Chase Dollander had a difficult outing in what was his second start of Cactus League play.

Well, his third start of the spring didn’t go any better.

One day after the Rockies had a rare Cactus League rainout, they were back on the diamond, but, they were roughed up by the Athletics Saturday, 8-1, as Dollander took the loss.

The Rockies’ No. 1 overall prospect pitched just 1.2 innings against the Athletics, giving up five runs on two hits, while walking four A’s. It was a tough learninng experioence for Dollander, who is projected to one day be the Rockies’ ace in the starting rotation, and is still vying for an opening day roster spot.

Rockies’ pitching, which has been outstanding this spring, never found it on Saturday. Another pitcher the Rockies are looking to count on this season, Bradley Blalock came on in relief of Dollander and gave up three hits and a run in 1.1 innings of work.

Coming into the game, Colorado had the second best ERA in Cactus League play, but, it wasn’t to be on Saturday.

The Rockies’ normally potent offense did bash seven hits, but they left six runners in scoring position. 

However, as bad a day as Colorado had, the Rockies saw plenty of good from their center fielder Brenton Doyle, who had two hits and a double. Doyle has been outstanding this spring and is goinng to be a catalyst for the Rockies all season long.

The loss dropped the Rockies to 10-4 in Cactus League games as week three closes with Colorado taking on the Seattle Mariners Sunday at 2:10 p.m. in Peoria.