Padres' Ross throws 2 scoreless innings against Rockies
TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) Tyson Ross pitched two scoreless innings for the San Diego Padres in a 9-5 spring loss to the Colorado Rockies on Saturday.
Ross walked one and surrendered an infield hit to Nolan Arenado, but faced only six batters thanks to a caught stealing and a double play.
''It was nice to get up there, put a couple zeroes up, and watch Alexei (Ramirez) turn a double play,'' Ross said. ''It's going to be fun to watch all season long.''
Manager Andy Green wasted no time in choosing Ross over James Shields to start on opening day against the Los Angeles Dodgers, making the announcement Feb. 19.
Colorado's Tyler Chatwood, making his first big league start since a second Tommy John surgery, allowed a run while having control issues in two innings.
Jon Jay, Cory Spangenberg and Ramirez each drove in a run in the fifth off wild Rockies reliever Jairo Diaz.
Colorado prospect Trevor Story, a candidate to start at shortstop with Jose Reyes facing domestic violence changes, batted second and went 0 for 2 with a walk.
Mike Tauchman tripled in two runs in a six-run eighth for the Rockies.
STARTING TIME
Padres: Ross, who will make his first career opening-day start, threw 15 of 28 pitches for strikes.
Rockies: Chatwood walked two, gave up a single to Yangervis Solarte, had a wild pitch and threw 16 of 31 pitches for strikes.
Chatwood last appeared in a major league game on April 29, 2014.
''It was awesome, just to have a chance to be out there,'' Chatwood said. ''I'm grateful for it. Obviously, a little frustrating giving a run and walking those two guys. But all in all, I felt really good.''
TRAINER'S ROOM
Padres: RHPs Fernando Rodney and Kevin Quackenbush threw live batting practice without incident in their recovery from hamstring injuries.
Rockies: There is no timetable for LHP Chris Rusin (left middle finger) to return after he was scratched from Friday's start.
HELP ARRIVES
Adding a right-handed bat in the outfield was a priority for Rockies manager Walt Weiss. Enter Ryan Raburn, who agreed to a minor league contract on Friday.
''I think the natural fit is the difficulties we've had with left-handers and how well he's hit lefties,'' Weiss said.
The Rockies plan to start three lefty outfielders: Gerardo Parra, Charlie Blackmon and Carlos Gonzalez.
The 34-year-old Raburn hit .325 against lefties last season in Cleveland.
BETHANCOURT THRIVES
Christian Bethancourt continued to impress in his quest to be San Diego's backup catcher, despite a scare when he was hit by a pitch.
Bethancourt's sacrifice fly off Chatwood in the second scored Solarte. He later singled. He also threw out Blackmon trying to steal second.
''I was lucky I got out of the way fast enough when he threw to second,'' Ross said. ''I've been laughing all camp, he's got a good arm and he keeps it low, so it's heads up.''
The 24-year-old Bethancourt took Jason Motte's 90 mph pitch off his left arm in the sixth and left. Green said he would be fine.
UP NEXT
Padres: Shields makes his first start Sunday in a split-squad game against Oakland. LHP Robbie Erlin starts against the Chicago White Sox.
Rockies: RHP Christian Bergman starts Saturday against Cincinnati. LHP Tyler Matzek, who didn't get anybody out in his first outing, will pitch in a `B' game against Arizona.
