The Colorado Rockies played two split squad games yesterday. The game against the White Sox was broadcast by Chicago, giving us our first live video feed of the Rockies this spring training. While the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks was only available on radio, someone must have been working a camera as we now have highlights from that game as well.
The Rockies got on the board as early as possible in their home game against Arizona. Leading off the bottom of the first, Charlie Blackmon gave the Rockies a lead they never relinquished.
In the fourth inning with the Rockies already leading 3-0, Nolan Arenado provided another insurance run with his first home run of the spring. While he’s been working on hitting the ball to all fields this spring, this home run was classic Arenado as he pulled it over the wall in left.
While this play would normally not be highlight worthy, because it’s the first glimpse we’ve had of Ian Desmond playing first base in a competitive game, it’s included.
In the game against the White Sox, Pat Valaika gave the Rockies a 1-0 lead in the top of the second, crushing the ball to left center and depositing it well over the wall.
After Valaika’s home run, the Rockies offense was stymied until the eighth inning, where the White Sox held a 6-1 lead. Brendan Rodgers (PuRP No. 1) made a surprise pinch-running appearance for Trevor Story in the sixth inning and stayed in the game to play shortstop. The Rockies top prospect got his first and only at-bat in the eighth inning and lived up to the hype.