Rockies blast four homers against Texas as position battles heat up

After a couple of off days at the plate, the Colorado Rockies are really trying to crank up the offense as Cactus League play comes to a close.

And under the lights on Thursday night, the Rockies broke out, giving manager Bud Black plenty to like.

In a 7-4 win over the Texas Rangers, the Rockies blasted four home runs, the most they’ve had in one game this spring. And a couple of those homers came from players who are all battling for roster spots. 

That included Jordan Beck, who, after struggling for much of spring, had two hits on Wednesday and came back with a dinger and two more hits on Thursday night. Beck is in a dogfight for the starting spot in right field, and the last couple of days will certainly help his case. In that battle is also Sam Hilliard and Zac Veen, and both shined against the Rangers. Hilliard hit a two-run homer, while Veen collected a pair of hits. All three of the aformentioned players are desparately trying to convince the Rockies to put them on the opening day roster.

Two players who are certainly going to make the roster also went yard against the Rangers. Catcher Hunter Goodman hit a solo shot, and collected a pair of hits, while first basemam Michael Toglia hit a blast, his third of the spring.

The offensive explosion was a good sign, and that, combined with another solid pitching perofrmance, led by German Marquez’ four-plus innings of work, and a clean sheet at the end from Victor Vodnik, gave the Rockies one of their most complete games in the last couple of weeks.

And that’s what Black needed to see. Spring training is coming to an end, and he not only needs to make tough decisions on the roster, but, he also wants his team in good form before arriving in Tampa Bay next Friday.

The Rockies (14-11) will get another chance to do all that when they host the Angels at 2:10 p.m. on Friday.