Arenado's diving snare highlights Rox defense

SAN DIEGO -- A line drive by the Padres' Austin Hedges disappeared into the glove of Rockies star third baseman Nolan Arenado. So did the Padres' chance for early momentum Thursday afternoon in the Rockies' 3-1 victory.
With one out in the third, the Padres had not managed a baserunner against Rockies starter Tyler Anderson when Hedges lined a pitch down the third-base line. But Arenado made a full dive and grabbed it to offer yet another reminder why Arenado has won the Rawlings Gold Glove Award each of his five seasons in the Majors, which is a record career-starting run at his position.
The play was merely part of a game that offered proof of the Rockies' defensive quality.
Additionally:
• Shortstop Trevor Story had two key plays. He leaped to snag a Freddy Galvis liner to end the second. After the Padres made it a two-run game with Manuel Margot's ninth-inning leadoff homer off closer Wade Davis, Story rushed in on Jose Pirela's grounder that had ticked off Davis, and made a barehanded pickup and strong throw to first.

• Right fielder Gerardo Parra dove but couldn't catch Galvis' line drive against Adam Ottavino with one out in the seventh. But Parra blocked the ball, then threw out Hunter Renfroe, who was trying to go first-to-third.

After Parra's play, catcher Chris Iannetta threw out Galvis trying to steal second to end the seventh.
The Rockies made just two errors, and more than their share of highlights, while going 4-3 on the season-opening road trip. Second baseman DJ LeMahieu snared a grounder to the middle by Padres pitcher Joey Lucchesi to end the third, and left fielder Ian Desmond chased down a Carlos Asuaje liner to open the eighth.
"They understand the importance in our park of defense -- run prevention," manager Bud Black said. "It's no coincidence that DJ has won Gold Gloves, Nolan has won a Gold Glove .. or five. Trevor is on his way. 'Desi' is a good defender, and 'Mac' [rookie first baseman Ryan McMahon], Carlos [Gonzalez's] diving catch last night. We do those things, and it helps."

Worth noting
Righty starter Jeff Hoffman, who was pulled out off the Cactus League schedule because of right shoulder soreness, will throw a simulated game at the Rockies' Scottsdale, Ariz., training center Friday, and soon will join Class A Advanced Lancaster on an injury rehab assignment. … Righty reliever Carlos Estévez (left oblique strain) will join Triple-A Albuquerque during its season-opening series at Salt Lake City. … Righty reliever Rayan González, who was on the Major League radar before undergoing Tommy John surgery last spring, is nearing injury rehab games.