Tauchman impresses in Rockies 5-2 loss to Angels

The Colorado Rockies fell to 1-4 this spring in a 5-2 loss to the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday.

Mike Tauchman provided the big bright spot for the Rockies offense with an impressive home run to straightaway center field in the second. Tauchman managed to earn himself a promotion to MLB last season on the strength of his, well, strength.

Previously maxing out at four home runs in 2014 at High-A, Tauchman suddenly launched 16 round trippers at the Triple-A level last season. If this power surge turns out to be real, and not just a blip on the radar, it could be the key for Tauchman finding himself on the roster, even as soon as Opening Day.

His main competition for that spot at this moment is Jordan Patterson who added to his already very solid spring with another double. He is batting .385 and slugging .615 so far. Tauchman is batting .300 and slugging .900.

Raimel Tapia was given the lead-off duties once again and collected his third hit of the spring but also made his second out on the basepaths, getting caught trying to steal second.

Ryan McMahon continues to make the most of his opportunity, smacking a double to bring his spring batting average to an even .500.

Dom Nunez got his first hit of spring and Sam Hilliard showed off his tools, grabbing a single and a double—the only player with multiple hits for the Rockies—and stealing second with ease. He is remarkably fast for someone who stands at a legitimate 6’5.

On the pitching side, Jon Gray was touched up for two runs on three singles and two productive outs in the second after cruising through the first. A fun moment came when the second batter of the game, much-discussed two-way-player Shohei Ohtani, fell victim to three perfectly painted pitches for the strikeout.

Jeff Hoffman took over for the next two innings, giving up a solo home run to Rene Rivera but otherwise not allowing any base runners.

Mike Dunn and Adam Ottavino each pitched a clean inning with the exception of a lead-off walk for Otto.

Zach Jemiola got hit hard in the seventh, giving up two runs on three hits but bounced back for a quick second inning.

The Rockies take on their division rivals, the Arizona Diamondbacks, Wednesday at 1:10 MST.