Defensive blunders doom Rockies in loss to Mariners

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona – Tyler Chatwood missed all of the 2015 season recovering from Tommy John surgery and with Jonathan Gray likely missing a few weeks due to an abdomen injury, another spot in the Rockies rotation is there for the taking. Chatwood entered Thursday’s game against the Mariners with an impressive spring (1-0, 3.27ERA in 4 starts) to back his case but struggled early against Seattle.

Chatwood gave up 7 hits in just 3 innings pitched but only 1 of his 4 runs allowed were earned. “His fastball command may have gotten a little bit away from him today,” Rockies skipper Walt Weiss said after the game. “He probably threw more pitches than he should’ve so his outing didn’t last that long.”

Defensively the Rockies had a tough day with 5 errors as a team. Weiss isn’t worried about the poor showing. “We’re a good defensive club. It’s one of our greatest strengths.”

The Rockies offense did all they could to keep them in the game. Charlie Balckmon, Trevor Story and Carlos Gonzalez started off the first inning with three straight doubles and the Rockies eventually tied the game in the second inning.

The Mariners blew the game open in the top of the 4th when Johan Flande entered in releif of Chatwood. Flande gave up three consecutive extra base hits after walking the first batter he faced and the Marniners scored 4 runs on 4 hits and a walk in the inning to take an 8-4 lead.

Colorado tried to rally, once in the 5th with a 2 RBI double from Carlos Gonzalez and again in the 9th behind a 2 RBI single from Cristhian Adames, but both efforts ultimately fell short as the Mariners salvaged their lead in a 10-8 victory over the Rockies.

Notable Performances

Charlie Blackmon – 2-3, 2 Runs, 1 RBI –  Blackmon is surging at the right time atop the Rockies lineup as spring is coming to a close.

Tevor Story – 2-4, 2 runs, 2 RBI – Continues hot spring but stikes out in big moment with 2 runners on in the bottom of the 4th. “I’m really not concerned with the averages but the approach with Trevor has been rock solid,” Weiss told BSN Denver postgame. “He really looks comfortable in the box.”

Dustin Garneau – 2-3, 2 Runs – Garneau’s black mark on him this spring has been his offensive production. Promising performance from the Rockies likely backup catcher.

Carlos Gonzalez – 2-4, 1 run, 3 RBI – Blackmon, Story and Gonzalez had a great day going 6-10, 4 runs, and 5 RBI. We asked Weiss about the production at the top of his lineup. “It’s been a good spring for all of those guys. Overall I’m very pleased with the way that we’ve played in general but especially the way we’ve played offensively.”

Up Next

The Rockies will travel to Goodyear Park friday to face the Cincinatti Reds. Jorge De La Rosa is scheduled to start. First pitch 1:05p.m.