Rockies showing plenty of signs, even in a rare Cactus League loss

You can’t win them all. Especially in the game of baseball.

The Colorado Rockies were reminded of that on Friday afternoon when they lost a Cactus League game 3-1 at Cleveland.

But even in defeat, the Rockies showed plenty of reasons why things continue to look up in 2025.

The much-improved Colorado pitching staff allowed just three runs on eight hits, and they got really strong work from the bullpen after a shaky three innings from veteran Kyle Freeland. Rockies’ releivers combined to allowed just three hits over nine innings, and that’s a good sign considering Colorado is really working hard to find a reliable bullpen this season.

Colorado’s offense did struggle to score runs for the second straight day, but Friday’s game was a day off for much of the projected big-league roster. Instead, Colorado brass got to see young players in action, including young catchers Hunter Goodman and Drew Romo, as well as rising star Adeal Amador, who had one of Colorado’s six hits on the day.

Veteran Nick Martini continued to shine as well as he picked up his fourth hit of the week. Martini, who was aquired in the offseason, is a player who is really pushing for a look at Colorado’s opening day roster.

Still, Friday was more about getting Colorado’s youth another live-game look, and, regardless of the final score, Bud Black, and the Rockies’ developmental heads have to like what they saw.

And that’s what it’s really all about. No question, the Rockies have shown they’re trying to win every one of the se spring training games. But what fans should be focused on is the improvements the club is making, and there was plenty of that on display Friday against the Guardians in Goodyear.

The Rockies will play their third game this spring against N.L. West rival Arizona Saturday at Salt River Fields. First pitch is set for 1:05 p.m.