Skaggs' line hurt by error in D-backs' opening defeat

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Troy Tulowitzki drove in a run and played in his first game since May 30 of last year to help lead the Rockies past the D-backs, 11-2, on Saturday afternoon in the Cactus League opener for both teams.

Tulowitzki, who had surgery on his left groin last June, played two innings and was 1-for-2 with a groundout and a single. He did not get a ball hit to him at short.

The Rockies took advantage of a throwing error by D-backs starter Tyler Skaggs and a fielding error by center fielder Gerardo Parra on the same first-inning play to score two runs.

Colorado added another pair of runs in the second thanks to a two-out, two-run single by Josh Rutledge.

Rutledge, who figures to be Colorado's Opening Day second baseman had hits in his first three at-bats and drove in four runs. Tim Wheeler and Kent Matthes added solo homers.

Drew Pomeranz, who is battling to be the Rockies' No. 5 starter, allowed a pair of runs in two innings of work.

Skaggs hurt his cause in the first when, with one out and a runner on first, he fielded a comebacker and fired over the head of shortstop Willie Bloomquist. The ball then scooted by Parra.

Reliever Heath Bell made his D-backs debut after coming over from the Marlins in an offseason trade. Bell allowed a pair of hits to begin his outing, but got a double play and then a strikeout to emerge from the inning unscathed.

D-backs up next: Patrick Corbin, who is battling Tyler Skaggs and Randall Delgado for the No. 5 spot in the rotation, will get the start against the Rockies on Sunday. Second baseman Aaron Hill will make his spring debut and hit in the No. 3 spot. The D-backs want to see if he or Martin Prado fits better in that spot.