The Sheriff makes a grand impression

The Sheriff of Swattingham is wearing purple once more.

The Colorado Rockies defeated the Kansas City Royals 12-5 in their third spring training game on a beautiful Monday afternoon.

Raimel Tapia set the pace for a big run-scoring day on the very first pitch, ripping it over the wall in right for his first hit and homer of the spring.

Mark Reynolds delivered the big blow of the game with a grand slam in the third, showcasing exactly the kind of power that will be his ticket to a roster spot.

Colorado followed up the big inning with another in the fourth, plating three more runs on a fielder’s choice from Mike Tauchman, Tapia’s third his of the game.

Less than 24 hours before, Bud Black said, “(Tapia) hasn’t gotten off to a great start with the bat, but it’s two games and February.”

Garrett Hampson replaced Reynolds after a base on balls and proceeded to go 2-for-2 with a home run and three RBI, continuing his good start to the spring.

Speaking of good starts, Sam Hilliard kept it going at the plate with a double and a single at his two plate appearances.

Antonio Senzatela made his first start and worked a clean first with three quick groundouts before surrendering a monster solo home run to Jorge Soler in the second, his only blemish in two innings.

Harrison Musgrave came on and gave up two runs (one earned) on three hits over the next two innings. Catcher Tom Murphy committed the throwing error on the scoring play.

Lefty Sam Howard had to battle through his inning of work but minimized the damage done by two hits and two walks to just one run.

DJ Johnson and Jesus Tinoco each gave up a hit but nothing more in an inning each.

Ben Bowden worked a clean eighth.

Justin Lawrence surrendered a solo shot in the ninth but closed out the game without further incident.

The Rockies offense recorded 14 hits total.