Rockies 2, Mariners 2: Only in spring training ... (and the All-Star Game)

In a split squad night game that was tied after ten innings, neither team wanted to play on. So they didn't. It's yet another reminder (as if you needed one) that this truly is practice baseball.

Franklin Morales, locked in a battle with Jordan Lyles to start the season as Colorado's 5th starter, pitched four innings for the Rockies. He only gave up two hits on the outing - but unfortunately those hits were a home run (in the first) and a triple (in the 3rd, followed by a sac fly). Other than that, Morales was sharp, striking out four and not walking anyone either.

In relief of Morales, LaTroy Hawkins got himself into (and then out of) a bases loaded, no out situation without any damage - inducing a double play and a pop-out to end Seattle's most serious run-scoring threat (post-Morales). Rex Brothers, Wilton Lopez, Chad Bettis, Brooks Brown, and Leuris Gomez all pitched scoreless innings in relief for Colorado. In all, the relievers limited Seattle to five hits in six scoreless innings.

On offense, the Rockies scratched out an unearned run against Seattle ace Felix Hernandez when Michael Cuddyer (who was 2-3 on the night) singled and came around to score on a Seattle throwing error to tie the game at one. After the 3rd inning triple/sac fly by Seattle, the Rockies were scoreless until the 8th, in which a Cristhian Adames walk, DJ LeMahieu (who was 2-3) single, and Charlie Blackmon sac fly evened the score.

The Rockies made it interesting in the bottom of the 10th, loading the bases with two outs, but Kent Matthes struck out to end the game in a tie. Again, spring training.

Juan Nicasio will take the mound against the Angels tomorrow afternoon at 2:10.