Peter and the Murph: Youngster and veteran standout in Colorado’s win over Cleveland

The Cleveland Indians starters outplayed the Colorado Rockies starters for the handful of innings in which they were on the diamond but the reserves for the Rox rallied late for a 12-8 win in their second game of the spring.

Play of the Game – Francisco Lindor 2-Run Jack

In another game that was lacking in fireworks, Lindor provided the most thrilling swing of the game, hammering a second-inning offering from Chi Chi Gonzalez on a frozen rope over the wall in center for a two-run homer that chased Colorado’s starter from the game.

Turning Point – 5-Run 8th

Colorado broke the game wide open with a five-run eighth inning. And they did it all recording only a pair of hits, both of them singles. One came from Boswell and one from slugging first baseman Brian Mundell who drove in a couple of runs.

Player of the Game: Peter Lambert – 2IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K

It is going to be an uphill fight for Lambert to make the opening day rotation with other players ahead of him in terms of experience also lacking in options while he has several. But his opening salvo was a good one, posting the best multi-inning pitching performance yet in the young spring for the Rockies.

Runner Up: Daniel Murphy 2-for-2, 1 R, 2 RBI

It was a nice early showing for Murphy who is one of many veteran players on the roster who had down seasons a year ago that the club appears to be counting on to bounce-back. His every move will be heavily scrutinized so starting the spring by batting 1.000 is a good way to go.

Stat of the Game: Bret Boswell – 3-for-3, 3 RBI

The middle-infielder who OPS’d just .687 in Double-A last year had quite the day at the plate, managing three singles in situations with runners on base, allowing him to walk away with three RBI. He hit 15 home runs last year and 27 the year before that but is still at least a year away from challenging for an MLB spot.

Final Thoughts

Lambert and Murphy have gotten off on the right foot which is good news. Bryan Shaw got knocked around for a couple of runs which is either good or bad depending on how likely you think it is Colorado will give his spot to someone else if he continues to struggle. Chi Chi Gonzalez didn’t have the outing he wanted but of course all these stats and takes must come with a healthy heaping of salt this time of year.