Rockies split split-squad games
Juan Uribe hit a three-run homer to spoil Jeff Francis’ return to the mound for Colorado after missing the entire 2009 season, and the San Francisco Giants beat a Rockies’ split squad 7-4 Friday in Scottsdale, Ariz.
The Rockies wound up with a split of the split-squad events, as they beat the Los Angeles Angels 7-5 in Tempe, Ariz.
Francis, who had shoulder surgery in February 2009 and had not pitched since Sept. 12, 2008, gave up four runs on four hits and walked two while throwing 33 pitches in two innings.
“I did throw a few changeups, but mostly I would throw five or six (fastballs) in a row, even behind in the count. That’s pretty unusual,” Francis said.
Jonathan Herrera had two hits and a walk to lead Colorado.
In Tempe, Ubaldo Jimenez was late to the ballpark, delayed by the bus wreck that killed six people and left more than 15 others injured just south of Tempe. So instead of starting, he worked two middle innings, giving up three hits and four runs.
“I felt the same,” Jimenez said. “Everything was the same. Everything was good. I was throwing strikes. The main thing I was looking for was that I was able to throw strikes. Even though I had two walks, all my pitches were close to the strike zone.”
Clint Barmes hit a solo homer and Ian Stewart had a two-run double, his first of three hits. Cole Garner added a solo homer and triple.
Sky Sox tickets
Individual game tickets for all of the Sky Sox 72 home games go on sale, on the Sky Sox website only, skysox.com, starting Monday. Box seats are $12 and reserved seats $9. Phone orders and in-person box office orders will be available soon.
