TUCSON, Ariz.-
The Colorado Rockies picked up a 4-2 victory over Chicago on Tuesday, but the Cubs got closer Ryan Dempster throwing strikes again after a week off with shoulder spasms.
Dempster, who had 24 saves for Chicago last season, pitched an inning after suffering what he described as a knot in the back of his right shoulder after his March 13 appearance against Arizona.
“I definitely felt good. The ball was coming out good,” Dempster said. “We could start opening today tomorrow and I would be ready.”
Dempster, who is fifth on the Cubs all-time saves list with 59, went one inning, giving up one hit and walked one. He has given up one run and four hits in five spring training appearances.
The Cubs (10-10-1) needed some relief after starter Ted Lilly (1-1) picked up the loss after allowing four runs and nine hits in five innings. The big free agent offseason pickup hurler during the off season worked out of a bases loaded jam in the second inning before giving up four in the fourth.
Colorado (11-7-1) might have a tough choice ahead in its starting pitching rotation with Brian Lawrence upping his stock after earning the win against the Cubs. The right-hander, after giving up a first-inning lead off homer to Alfonso Soriano, settled down to put himself in good shape for the No. 5 spot in the rotation.
Rockies manager Clint Hurdle officially designated Jason Hirsh his No. 4 man on Tuesday behind Aaron Cook, Jeff Francis and Rodrigo Lopez.
That leaves the fifth spot, which Lawrence is eyeing after recovering from a shoulder injury that kept him out the entire 2006 season.
“I have to prove that I can go deep into a game and not put added stress on our bullpen,” Lawrence said. “I feel better than I have in a long time. It is now just a matter of building up innings and then going from there.”
Lawrence, who was 49-61 with a 4.10 ERA with San Diego from 2001-2005, went five innings, allowing two runs and seven hits, while striking out two in his best outing since undergoing surgery last spring to repair a torn labrum and to clean out his rotator cuff.
He must still hold off starting battles with several others, including Josh Fogg and Byung-Hyun Kim.
“I am starting to get my command. The first couple of outings I was all over the place. The command is there on every pitch (against the Cubs),” Lawrence said. “It is very comforting going out there and knowing you can throw again. After today I feel like I am in season form as far as going out and competing and getting outs and not worrying about my arm.”
Colorados Ubaldo Jimenez is also fighting for innings, and responded with a save after going four innings, allowing zero runs and two hits.
The Rockies Willy Taveras went 2 for 3, while Matt Holliday was 2 for 2 with a double.
Chicagos only extra bit hit other than Sorianos homer, went for a double by Angel Pagan.
NOTES:@ Chicago pitcher Kerry Wood threw 25 pitches in a side session in Mesa and could be ready to start a spring game again later this week. The right-hander threw fastballs and breaking balls off the mound under close supervision after suffering a mild strain right tricep.
Wood is 1-0 with a 12.0 ERA in three spring training games.
