Giants 11, Rockies 8
Wednesday at Salt River Fields
On the mound: Right-hander German Marquez, the likely opening-day starter, had a rough, two-run first inning that included two hit batters and a wild pitch. Marquez said he was “rushing his delivery.” He settled in after that and finished his five-inning stint allowing three runs on six hits with six strikeouts and no walks. He threw 71 pitches, 47 for strikes. … Right-hander Jairo Diaz, considered an important cog in the bullpen, continues to struggle. Three earned runs hiked his ERA to 10.80. … Lefty Ben Bowden, making his pitch to make the roster, struck out the side in the ninth.
At the plate: C.J Cron, the likely starting first baseman, was 2-for-3, increasing his average to .323. After a slow start, Cron said he’s finding his rhythm… Utility player Connor Joe is making the most of his spring. He’s already hit three home runs and a double on Wednesday boosted his average to .400.
Worth noting: Outfielder Ryan Vilade, one of the club’s top prospects, continued his excellent spring, going 2-for-2 and delivering an RBI double in the ninth. He’s batting .368, although some of the hits have come against minor-league-level pitchers.
Up next: The Rockies are off on Thursday. Indians at Rockies, 2:10 p.m. Friday, Salt River Fields
— Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post
