TUCSON, Ariz.—Los Angeles starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw got into a jam during his first spring training work, but feels he might be better for it in the long run.
One of the Dodgers’ top-rated prospects had a perfect first inning before allowing two runs in the second during a Los Angeles 13-5 victory over Colorado on Saturday in front of 5,967 fans at Hi Corbett Field.
“It is good to get in (tough) situations, where I have to battle a little bit,” Kershaw said. “I was leaving some pitches up and something to work on.”
Kershaw allowed a single to Matt Murton to open the second before Yorvit Torrealba reached on a fielder’s choice. The Dodgers’ projected No. 4 starter then struck out Daniel Ortmeier and Carlos Gonzalez before allowing a two-run single to Christian Colonel. He ended up striking out the side.
Kershaw finished allowing two runs on two hits, while striking out three in his two frames.
Getting out of future jams is something the 2006 first-round draft choice knows will be valuable to obtain his goal of throwing more this season.
“I hope I can get to 200 innings. That would be a good accomplishment for me. It means I am pitching deep into games and giving the team a chance to win,” Kershaw said. “If I can get to 200 innings that would be a cool accomplishment.”
Kershaw emerged a year ago with the Dodgers to finish 5-5 with a 4.26 ERA in 21 starts. He threw 107 2/3 innings overall.
Those numbers don’t mean anything now, at least not to him.
“I still feel I have to prove I am capable in the starting five,” Kershaw said. “There is probably some added pressure with expectations, but I put enough pressure on myself. I work from start to start trying to get better.”
Colorado starting pitcher Jason Marquis, traded on Jan. 6 from the Chicago Cubs for Luis Vizcaino, made his debut with the Rockies. Marquis, who allowed one unearned run and no hits in two innings against Los Angeles, has a different role for the Rockies with his veteran presence.
After winning at least 11 games in each of the last five seasons, Marquis sees himself as not only a No. 3 or 4 starter, but also a teacher for a young staff. He figures to give back after being tutored over the years by former teammates like Greg Maddux, John Smoltz and Tom Glavine.
“I’ve been around quality pitchers that have always lent a helping hand for great advice,” Marquis said. “I try to pass along what I have learned. I don’t pretend I know it all, I am just a guy who paid attention and asked a lot of questions.”
The Rockies needed help getting Matt Kemp out after going 1 for 3 with a two-run homer for the Dodgers. Valentino Pascucci went 3 for 4, while Juan Castro was 3 for 3 with two doubles and two runs scored.
Los Angeles got four runs and four hits off Josh Fogg. Mitch Jones had a grand slam off Jason Grilli for his second home of the spring.
Colorado, winless so far this spring, had a two-run home run from Joe Koshansky. Murton was 2 for 3 with a run scored.
Notes@ Colorado utility player Jeff Baker was scratched from the designated hitter position in the lineup against the Dodgers with tenderness in his right elbow. He is listed as day-to-day… Rockies outfielder Ian Stewart is day-to-day with a strained left bicep suffered after going 0 for 3 in the spring opener on Feb. 25… Los Angeles infielder Tony Abreu injured his left groin while picking up a grounder against Seattle on Friday. He missed the entire 2008 season with right groin and hip injuries. Abreu is scheduled to have a MRI on Sunday…Los Angeles agreed to terms with infielder Blake DeWitt, outfielder Matt Kemp, catcher Lucas May and pitchers Scott Elbert, Victor Garate and James McDonald.
