Tucson – Compared to the real thing, Wednesday’s Cactus League opener was merely a footnote.
But for Rockies starting pitcher Jason Jennings, tabbed to throw the season opener April 3 against the Arizona Diamondbacks, a 6-1 victory over the defending World Series champion Chicago White Sox was definitely more than an exhibition.
“It was definitely a little bigger facing the “A” lineup for the world champs, so it’s definitely a good way to get it kick-started,” Jennings said.
Jennings had not pitched in a live game since fracturing his middle finger July 20. He pitched two innings, giving up no runs, two singles and one walk. He concentrated on throwing his fastball, but he also snuck in two excellent sliders for two key strikeouts to end the first two innings.
“I wanted to establish my fastball, which I did, but I got behind in the count a little too much,” said Jennings, who threw 38 pitches. “But I’ll take two zeros and go from there and build off it.”
Wednesday’s victory gave the entire team something to build on. Colorado’s pitching staff yielded only three hits, catcher Danny Ardoin slammed a solo homer off White Sox starter Jose Con- treras, and Todd Helton hit two doubles in three at-bats.
King abdicates
Lefty reliever Ray King was scratched because of a sore left elbow. He insists the soreness is much ado about nothing.
“I’m hearing all this stuff about me being banged up,” King said. “I’m going to be fine. This happens every spring where I have some soreness because I don’t pick up a ball all winter.”
King is scheduled to throw a bullpen session today, then pitch Saturday.
Sweet sinker
Jeff Francis has been working to add a sinker to his repertoire since last June. Wednesday, he threw the pitch effectively in his two scoreless innings.
“I feel like that pitch really helps me get the ball down,” said Francis, who leaves today to join Team Canada for the World Baseball Classic.
Pitching coach Bob Apodaca said he wants Francis to keep perfecting his sinker while pitching in the WBC.
“I think that’s part of his game now,” Apodaca said. “He’s making adjustments to his delivery that really gives him that low pitch now.”
Francis is scheduled to pitch an inning for Canada this weekend in Florida.
Footnotes
Catcher Yorvit Torrealba continues treatment for his sore throwing shoulder, which trainer Keith Dugger described as a “slight strain.” Dugger said he doubted Torrealba would play today, but might play Saturday. … Reliever Bret Prinz was originally scratched from the lineup with the flu, but he felt much better and pitched the eighth inning, allowing no hits and striking out one. … Today, in a rematch at Hi Corbett Field, the Rockies are scheduled to start Aaron Cook, followed by closer Brian Fuentes in his only Rockies game before departing for the WBC. Javier Vazquez and Bobby Jenks are scheduled to throw for the Sox.
Staff writer Troy E. Renck contributed to this report.
Patrick Saunders can be reached at 303-820-5459 or psaunders@denverpost.com.
