It was a history-filled game between the Colorado Rockies and the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday afternoon. The Rockies won the first game at the brand new Salt River Fields at Talking Stick spring training facility in 10 innings. Outfielder Charlie Blackmon's solo home run in the top of the 10th inning put the Rockies up, 8-7. Andrew Johnston came in to finish the game and eventually had men on second and third base, but a fly out to left fielder Cole Garner ended the game.
The first run and first home run at SRF at TS came in the bottom of the inning when Arizona's Kelly Johnson homered off of Greg Reynolds. The Rockies scored their first run when Carlos Gonzalez drove in Seth Smith on a single in the top of the fourth inning.
Ubaldo Jimenez drew the start for the Rockies and allowed two hits and a walk in two innings of work. He started throwing his fastball 89-90 m.p.h but eventually turned it up to 94-95 in the second inning. Adam Jorgenson blew the lead in the bottom of the ninth inning when he allowed five runs in two-thirds of an inning.
Rockies fans were able to see plenty of players, including prospects. Though Blackmon delivered the big blow, outfielder Cole Garner had good at-bats and also showed the D'Backs why they shouldn't run on his arm. Catcher Jordan Pacheco also showed skill with the bat, getting a hit in his only at-bat. Reliever Bruce Billings moved to the bullpen during the second half of 2010 and showed some nice tailing action on his fastball.
The Rockies play an intrasquad game on Sunday before they play the D'Backs again on Monday. First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 p.m. MT and FSN will have coverage.