Angels @ Rockies

Today was the battle of the potential fifth starters as the Rockies hosted the Angels at their new ballpark.

This is the first time I have been to Salt Fields Park at Talking Stick. It's a nice park, but like the Dodgers new park, this is on the big side for a spring training field. In fact it was designed by the same architects. There was a sellout crowd of 12,209 people to see the game today, so obviously they are doing something right. Getting in and out was fairly easy, lots of $5 parking. Food choices are OK. Seats are almost all in the sun, but today was overcast and a cool 71, lower than normal for this time of year in Phoenix.

The game itself was weird. The Rockies started out playing quite well with Rogers pitching 5 strong innings. But as a potential starter, he was left in for the top of the 6th, and could not get an out, giving up all six runs to the Angels. Franklin Morales pitched poorly for the second day in a row and blew the hold.

Rockies offense also looked good at first, with most of the projected opening day lineup starting. Tulo went 3 for 3 with 2 home runs, one being a three-run homer to take an early lead in the top of the first inning.

For the Angels, Palmer pitched poorly and gave up 6 runs as well, making only 4 innings. The rest of the relief pitchers for both teams did pretty well, keeping the score tied at 6 through the tenth inning, when the game was called.

In a spring training oddity, Mike Scoscia was ejected for arguing a scoring play at the plate.

It was a nice day for a game, and a lot of fun, although I'd like to see the Rockies win a game while I am in town!