Under the microscope: Rockies' Chase Dollander shines against Cleveland

In perhaps his most important start of his young career, Chase Dollander bounced back. In a big, big way.

After two really difficult outings in a row, Dollander bounced back against the Cleveland Guardians and once again showed why he’s being considered for a spot in the Colorado Rockies’ starting rotation.

Dollander earned his first win of spring after completing four innings of scoreless work in a 6-4 Rockies’ win on Thursday at Salt River Fields. Dollander struck out three, and turned the game over to a solid Colorado bullpen which included a save from potential closer Angel Chivilli.

The win was encouraging for the Rockies’ pitching staff, but especially Dollander, who has had ups and downs throughout his first big league camp.

“I’m really proud of the way I was able to slow down today and make sure I was able to get in the zone and attack with my stuff. I thought the offspeed looked a lot better today then it has in the past. So I’m excited to kind of build on it,” Dollander said to MLB Network on Thursday after the game.

Dollander and the Rockies’ pitching staff got help from their battery mate, too. Offensive highlights against the Guardians belonged mainly to catcher Jacob Stallings, who belted not one, but two homeruns against Cleveland. Stallings wasn’t alone though as Jordan Beck hit his first homer of the spring, while Nolan Jones had a strong day at the plate for the second straight game.

The win was also Colorado’s second straight as the Rockies improved to 12-8 in the Cactus League with less then two weeks to go.

The day however, belonged to Dollander, and perhaps his performance was more improtant then the homers or the win. Dolllander may only get one more chance to impress the Rockies’ brass in big league camp, as Colorado tries top settle on an opening day roster. And if impressing Manager Bud Black and the Rockies’ coaching staff was the goal, Dollander did that against the Guardians.

Colorado will play at the Texas Rangers Friday night. The game starts at 7:05 p.m.