New Rockies pitcher Kyle Kendrick throws during his first Cactus League game Friday at Tempe Diablo Stadium. (John Leyba, The Denver Post)
Tempe, Ariz. — An ability to stay poised, wiggle out of trouble and limit big innings were major reasons why the Rockies signed free-agent right-hander Kyle Kendrick.
Unfortunately, he had to display that ability in his very first inning in a Rockies uniform Friday afternoon against the Angels at Tempe Diablo Stadium. The Angles loaded the bases with one out, but Kendrick escaped having allowed just one run.
The Angels led the Rockies 3-0 through eight innings and the Rockies were in danger of falling to 0-3 in Cactus League play.
“Physically, I felt great,” Kendrick said. “My command was obviously not very good. … I still have a lot of stuff to work on before the season starts.”
The Angels packed the bases on a leadoff single by Kole Calhoun, a walk by Mike Trout and a bloop single by Albert Pujols. Matt Joyce drove in Calhoun with a sacrifice fly, but Kendrick got Erick Aybar to fly out to shallow right and then struck out Collin Cowgill.
“I got into (that) position because I couldn’t get ahead of hitters, but I battled,” Kendrick said. “You still have to battle and finds ways to get outs. That should be all pitchers’ strength. You’re going to get in jams two or three times a game and you have to find away to get out of them and minimize the damage.”
HITS
* Although starter candidate Christian Bergman gave up a run in his two innings of work, he also struck out three batters.
* Catcher Nick Hundley nailed the Angels’ Kyle Kubitza attempting to steal second in the second inning.
* Outfielder Rosell Herrera rapped a double off the first base bag in the eighth.
MISSES
* The Rockies’ regular position players continue to swing weak spring bats. Through six innings, they managed no runs and just three hits.
UP NEXT
The Rockies host the Cubs Saturday at Salt River Fields in a 1:10 p.m. game. Starting for the Rockies will be right-hander Brett Marshall. The original starter, Jorge De La Rosa, was scratched because of a tight left groin. The other Rockies scheduled to pitch include lefties Kraig Sitton and Boone Logan, and righties Rafael Betancourt, John Axford, La Troy Hawkins and Adam Ottavino.
Tags: Adam Ottavino, Brett Marshall, John Axford, Jorge De La Rosa, Kyle Kendrick, LaTroy Hawkins, Rafael Betancourt
