The Rockies defeated the Texas Rangers in split squad action in Surprise, Arizona this afternoon by a score of 14-9. Colorado jumped on Nick Tepesch early scoring three runs in the second inning, majority of the runs were the result of a Yorvit Torrealba 2-RBI double that scored Tyler Colvin and Charlie Blackmon.
Colorado briefly gave up the lead after allowing four runs in consecutive innings. Rafael Betancourt was particularly ineffective allowing four earned runs in two-thirds of an inning. The Rockies closer gave up home runs to David Murphy and A.J. Pierzynski before being replaced by Josh Outman.
Colorado's biggest inning was in the sixth when DH Wilin Rosario reclaimed the lead on a three run home run, scoring D.J. LeMahieu and Jordan Pacheco. Rosario went 2-for-6 with a double and home run and three RBI on the afternoon. Starting catcher Yorvit Torrealba also had a big game, knocking in three RBI on a 3-for-4 performance that raised his average to .583 this spring.
Jhoulys Chacin was originally scheduled to start friday's game, but was scratched after injuring his back in training on Thursday. Tyler Chatwood took the hill in his stead and went four innings allowing four earned runs, he walked four batters and struck out three. Chatwood's spring ERA stands at 6.16 through five appearances.
Game two was another slugfest as the Rockies were defeated 11-6 by the Giants at Salt River Fields. Christian Friedrich had a tough outing, allowing home runs to both Hunter Pence and Brandon Belt. Friedrich finished the night with four earned runs on three innings pitched and struck out three with only one walk.
The Rockies were on the board early with a two-run home run by Carlos Gonzalez in the first inning. Starting first baseman Ben Paulsen had a solid game going 2-for-4 with a walk and run scored on the afternoon. Paulsen had a chance to make the game close late, when he came to the plate with two men and two outs on in the ninth, only to fly out to right field.
Next up for the Rockies is a Saturday night game against the San Diego Padres at 8:10 MDT in Salt River Fields. Jorge De La Rosa is scheduled to start and brings with him a 2.84 spring ERA.