What a start: Rockies' phenom Chase Dollander shines against the Giants

A new week of Cactus League play got underway on Monday. And the Colorado Rockies played their first actual road game of 2025 as they visited Scottsdale Stadium and the San Francisco Giants.

And for the first time this spring, the Rockies got out-hit in a game, but, the 2-2 tie with the Giants, and a lower offensive output didn’t detract from some of the more important moments from Monday’s game.

Offense was still the story for Colorado, despite just totaling four hits against a Giants’ pitching staff that included a two-inning start by veteran star Justin Verlander. No, the offense was still the story because Zac Veen continued his hot start to spring training with two more hits and a run scored in three at-bats.

Veen isn’t the only one swinging a hot bat for the Rockies as starting first basemen Michael Toglia hit his second homer of the spring in the tie game. Toglia wound up with a pair of hits on the day as well.

But, the highlight of the game, and the biggest takeaway came on the mound, as Chase Dollander made his big league spring debut for the Rockies. The super star in the making pitched two innings and allowed a homer by Jung Hoo Lee, but, he also struck out three batters and routinely hit 95 MPH with his fast ball.

Dollander paced a Rockies’ pitching staff that allowed just five hits and struck out nine. And again, that’s another win for Colorado pitchers, who have really been strong so far this spring.

Another win for the Rockies continues to be their fight and enthusiasm in spring training. Colorado, despite being one of the youngest clubs in the league, is determined to make strides this season, and it shows by how their approaching these February Cactus League games. And that approach was obvious again on Monday, as the Rockies battled hard, played hard and clearly wanted to beat their N.L West rivals.The Rockies, who are 3-1 in spring training, are back at Salt River Fields for a game against the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday. First pitch is set for 1:10 p.m. M.S.T.