The Colorado Rockies offense opened up in the eighth inning following a low-scoring 1-1 affair. It all started with a Michael McKenry hit-by-pitch to start the inning. Matt Macri collected his fourth hit of the spring and moved McKenry over to second. A wild pitch put McKenry on third and a Jose Morales single put the catcher across the plate.
Hernan Iribarren doubled in another run, but Charlie Blackmon and Ben Paulsen added the big damage. Blackmon added a two-run single and Paulsen immediately followed with a two-run homer to right field. McKenry, who started the inning, ended the frame with a pop out.
Angels pitcher Trevor Reckling pitched the entire inning and allowed all seven runs. Their starter, Scott Kazmir, had a difficult start to the game. He walked Dexter Fowler and Jordan Pacheco to start the game and then committed a throwing error on a pickoff to third. Fowler and Pacheco each moved up a base. A wild pitch followed, placing Fowler across home plate and a 1-0 lead in favor of the Rockies.
Jhoulys Chacin started for the Rockies and allowed the Rockies' only blemish in second inning when Bobby Wilson singled in Mark Trumbo. John Maine made his spring debut and allowed three hits in two innings.
Troy Renck, as usual, offers his bird's eye view of the game.
The Rockies start Esmil Rogers tomorrow against the Milwaukee Brewers. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. MT.