Major League Baseball

Brewers 7, Rockies 6

Published Mar. 13, 2010 11:55 p.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

foxsports

Jason Hammel continued his strong string of performances in his first spring training with the Rockies, but Brewers prospect Lorenzo Cain homered and Milwaukee's split squad rallied for a 7-6 victory over Colorado on Saturday.

The 27-year-old Hammel struck out three in four innings and allowed two unearned runs, and the Rockies scored four runs in the seventh, including a three-run homer by Matt Miller.

Milwaukee scored two in the seventh and two in the eighth to win it, capped by a two-out, full-count homer by Cain.

Hammel already has a rotation spot locked up with the Rockies, and manager Jim Tracy is excited about his potential after the right-hander went 10-8 with a 4.33 ERA since being acquired in April from Tampa Bay.

``He learned a lot last year and it's evident in his performance during the course of this spring,'' Tracy said. ``We'd like to think we're going into a very, very good place with him. And that being said, if that's the case and this is guy that's pitching toward the back end of the rotation, you've got to feel pretty good about that.''

For his part, Hammel isn't taking anything for granted.

``I don't count my chickens before the eggs have hatched, but like I've said before, they've invested a lot of confidence in me and I really am appreciative to it,'' Hammel said. ``I'm not taking the job lightly.''

Brewers starter Manny Parra isn't taking his role lightly, either, as one of four candidates for two spots in Milwaukee's rotation.

Parra gave up a run in four innings, matching what right-hander Dave Bush did in a 7-2 win by the other half of the Brewers' split squad against the Chicago White Sox in Glendale, Ariz.

Parra has been eagerly working with new pitching coach Rick Peterson on his mechanics.

``So far I've seen nothing but positive results out of what we've worked on,'' said Parra, who went 11-11 with a 6.36 ERA last season. ``Rhythm and tempo, it's so important.''

Parra said he's used most of Peterson's tips before with other coaches in the past, except one.

``The only thing that's been different is throwing a ball with my eyes closed. The amazing thing about that is I throw two out of three strikes with my eyes closed,'' Parra said. ``When you can do that with your eyes closed, you should be able to do it quite a bit with your eyes open. That's the only crazy thing about it, and it actually builds a lot of confidence.''

Hammel retired the first eight batters before Tracy and the trainer were briefly summoned to the mound after catcher Chris Iannetta was hit in the left hand by a swing in the third.

Parra then singled, shortstop Jonathan Herrera misplayed a grounder for an error and Alcides Escobar doubled in two runs. Hammel bounced back the next inning and finished his day by striking out slugger Prince Fielder and Corey Hart.

``He's an easy guy to embrace,'' Tracy said of his pitcher. ``We've fallen in love with him because as far as I'm concerned, he fits the criteria of what a Rockie is all about, what a Rockie represents.''

Notes: Iannetta had his hand heavily wrapped in the clubhouse, but said he's fine. ... Brewers 3B Craig Counsell (stiff neck) was a late scratch from the lineup. ... The Rangers claimed Brewers infielder Hernan Iribarren off waivers. Iribarren had been one of a handful of candidates for a reserve role in Milwaukee. The Brewers have not made a 40-man roster move to replace him. ... Rockies RHP Matt Belisle (forearm stiffness) remains on schedule to pitch Sunday.

share

Get more from Major League Baseball Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

Major League Baseball