Morales strikes out five in final Cactus League game
Blackmon has two hits in three at-bats, as Rockies edge Mariners
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The Mariners and Rockies wrapped up Cactus League play Saturday with one final look at the pitchers expected to step up at the back end of their starting rotations.
Seattle's Chris Young pitched 4 2/3 scoreless innings in his first start after signing a one-year deal with the club Thursday. Young will slot in as the No. 5 starter and pitch in Oakland on Friday. Colorado's Franklin Morales, who was named the fifth starter on Friday, was charged with one run on three hits in 5 1/3 innings. The left-hander is on track to take the hill against the D-backs in his team's home opener April 4.
The Rockies won Saturday's game, 2-1.
Morales struck out five batters and walked five. Young recorded two strikeouts.
"He still has enough stuff where he can get out of traffic and strike some guys out, but he didn't have his great command today," Rockies manager Walt Weiss said of Morales.
The pitching matchup took center stage, but there was also noteworthy action in the batter's box.
Seattle's Corey Hart, playing in his first Cactus League game since March 20 due to a sore forearm, went 0-for-3. He finished Cactus League play with a batting average of .132. By contrast, Robinson Cano also went hitless in his two at-bats Saturday, but still managed to finish spring by hitting .412.
Charlie Blackmon had two hits in three at-bats for the Rockies.
New Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon was pleased with what his club accomplished this spring as they put together an 18-12-3 record.
"Spring Training is Spring Training. You always have to temper your excitement a little bit," McClendon said. "But I was very pleased with the work we put in and the cohesiveness of this club -- their competitive spirit. I think they're clicking on all cylinders and are ready to go."
The Mariners will open the season Monday against the Angels in Anaheim. The Rockies will travel to Miami on Sunday before starting the season the next day against the Marlins.
Up next: The Rockies have wrapped up Cactus League play and will fly to Miami on Sunday morning. The club will hold an on-field workout Sunday afternoon as they prepare for Opening Day against the Marlins on Monday, with Jorge De La Rosa getting the start in a game that will be televised on MLB.TV and ROOT Sports at 5:05 p.m. MT.