Rockies’ left-handed pitching prospect came up from minor-league camp to pitch for the Rockies Thursday at Salt River Fields.
(Photo courtesy Colorado Rockies)
ROCKIES 6, DIAMONDBACKS 3
At Salt River Fields
Scottsdale, Ariz. — Kyle Freeland sneaked in a big-league game Thursday before his minor-league season starts. And he looked nearly big-league ready.
The former Thomas Jefferson High standout from Denver threw 5 1/3 innings with 91 pitches, giving up just two earned runs over eight hits. He allowed two home runs, but weathered the storm.
It changes my outlook, Freeland said. You get to face a big-league lineup and see what you could potentially face later in the year.
Freeland, a first-round pick in 2014, likey will start the season at Triple-A Albuquerque.
It s a confidence boost getting this under my belt, getting ready to break camp, Freeland said,.
HITS
First baseman Mark Reynolds continued a hot streak at the plate, hitting a home run and a single in his first two at-bats. Manager Walt Weiss said the right-handed Reynolds remains an option to start opening day against Arizona right-hander Zack Greinke.
**Center fielder Charlie Blackmon homered, in the second, and doubled.
**Likely closer Jake McGee struck out one and walked one in a hitless ninth.
MISSES
Gerardo Parra went 0-for-3 with a strikeout.
WHAT’s NEXT
The Rockies (RHP Christian Bergman) travel to Peoria to face the Mariners (LHP Wade Miley) at 7 p.m., (no radio; Root TV) Colorado s only night game this spring.
