Tucson – The Rockies and No. 1 starter Jason Jennings got their house in order Thursday.
Not that things were in shambles, but some nagging spring chores were tended to in a crisp 6-2 Cactus League win over the Chicago Cubs.
For one thing, the Rockies snapped a six-game losing streak. A minor spring factoid, perhaps, but no Rockies team had ever lost six consecutive exhibition games.
As for Jennings, he was coming off a poor performance Sunday against Kansas City in which he rushed his delivery, let his sinker float and got blasted for five runs and seven hits in three innings. He stewed about that outing for three days.
Thursday, with his sinker befuddling the Cubs, he threw four masterful innings, allowing no runs and two hits and striking out three.
“This was one of the better outings I’ve had of any spring I’ve been to,” he said. “It honestly comes down to delivery and mechanics for me. I just need to be out there, nice and slow and relaxed.”
Jennings is pitching every fourth day this spring – a new experience for him.
“I like it,” he said. “It’s amazing what a day can do, but I like getting out there a little quicker. Next time (Monday vs. the Cubs) will be the true test because I’ll throw five innings. But I do think I pitch better when I’m a little tired.”
Manager Clint Hurdle, who chose Jennings over Aaron Cook as the opening-day starter early in spring training, liked what he saw Thursday.
“It wasn’t just his numbers, it was his demeanor, his rhythm, the pace of the game, all of what you expect from your No. 1 starter,” Hurdle said.
Ragin’ Cajun
Catcher Danny Ardoin continues his splendid spring. He was 3-for-3 with a triple and is hitting a team-high .583. He also laid down a bunt single, stole a base and knocked in two runs. But it’s Ardoin’s command behind the plate that has Jennings excited.
“He’s really good; he ranks up there with Sal Fasano,” Jennings said. “Sal had a big hand in getting me to the big leagues. And not to mention that Danny throws the ball so well, so we don’t have to worry about anybody running on us.”
Footnotes
Catcher Yorvit Torrealba, who caught his first game Wednesday, is nursing a sore throwing shoulder, so he won’t catch for a few days. Utilityman Jorge Piedra (plantar fasciitis) remains on the injured list. … Rockies pitchers allowed only one walk Thursday after giving up a combined 20 in their previous three games. … Right fielder Garrett Atkins doubled in a run in the first and is hitting .429. … Cook and relievers Jose Mesa and Ray King will pitch today when the Rockies host Seattle. Lefty Jarrod Washburn is scheduled to start for the Mariners.
Patrick Saunders can be reached at 303-820-5459 or psaunders@denverpost.com.
