The Colorado Rockies are now 1-4-1 in the Cactus League after dropping a 6-4 decision to the Oakland Athletics on Friday afternoon. A late pitching collapse once again ruined the day for the Rockies. But the most important thing to come out of this game was Juan Nicasio's return to the mound.
Pitching in a live game for the first time since he broke his neck last August, Nicasio struck out two and allowed one unearned run on five hits over two innings. Wilin Rosario's passed ball during Coco Crisp's at-bat in the first inning allowed Eric Sogard to reach second base and a couple of batters later touch home plate. Nicasio even dealt with a line drive up the middle, but he showed no signs of hesitation on the play, according to all accounts of the game.
As to what else happened in the game, Michael Cuddyer and Todd Helton each drove in a run, the former on a sacrifice fly and the latter on a double. Ben Paulsen and Nolan Arenado each drove in a run in the bottom of the ninth to attempt a comeback that ultimately fell short.
Tyler Chatwood struck out four in three innings, but he allowed the gates to open when he surrendered two runs in the sixth inning. Edwar Cabrera pitched the seventh and eighth innings, allowing runs on a double, a sacrifice fly and a home run.
Colorado hits the road on Saturday to face the Kansas City Royals at 1:05 p.m. MT.
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