Bettis looks good in first appearance of spring

The Colorado Rockies brought the winning run to the plate in the final frame but this time the late rally fell short on a dazzling game-ending double play in a 4-2 win for the Texas Rangers.

There wasn’t as much to get excited about in the third game of spring training. No fireworks from young players looking to stick on the roster. No dominating, but still a few nice, pitching performances. And Charlie Blackmon still hasn’t played yet, though he’s fine, just pacing himself for a long season.

Chad Bettis made his first start of the spring, going two innings without allowing a hit. He struck out two and walked one. He will be on the Opening Day roster if healthy.

Antonio Senzatela pitched the next two innings and gave up just one hit but it cost him a run. He also walked one and struck out two in his spring debut.

Colorado scored a pair of runs in the seventh. Shawn O’Malley singled and advanced on a groundout from Jordan Patterson. He scored on a single up the middle from Daniel Castro. Castro moved to third on an error and scored when the speedy shortstop, Garret Hampson, beat out an infield single to bring the Rockies within one.

The Rangers struck back against Peter Lambert who was making his first-ever appearance at MLB camp. The 20-year-old gave up four hard hits and two runs, showing some nerves, but also ended up striking out the side.

Former first-round pick Brooks Pounders made his Rockies’ debut, giving up two hits and a run in an inning of work.

The Rockies were held to two runs on seven hits while the Rangers managed four runs on seven hits.

It was nice to see Chad Bettis again, looking healthy and pitching well.

Colorado faces the Arizona Diamondbacks Monday at 1:10 MST. Kyle Freeland is slated to pitch.