The Colorado Rockies signed Ty Wigginton for his power potential as much as his versatility.
On Sunday, he showed the Rockies what they're getting.
Wigginton homered and doubled, Jason Hammel threw three solid innings and the Rockies beat the Cleveland Indians 3-1.
"You put the guy between the lines and
it's a game," Rockies manager Jim Tracy said. "It might be a spring
training game but he competes and that's why he is so revered in the
industry. His energy, his approach. It's just a great thing to add to
the dugout."
Hammel, who played with Wigginton in Tampa Bay, certainly appreciates having him around again.
"It's great to add another bat to the
lineup," Hammel said. "We've added some good players. I played with him
in Tampa and he did pretty well there, too."
Ryan Spilborghs also drove in a run for the Rockies.
Third base prospect Lonnie Chisenhall
hit a home run and singled for the Indians. Adam Everett and Jack
Hannahan each added a pair of hits.
"Buck and Chisenhall hit the ball on the nose," Indians manager Manny Acta said. "It was a good day overall in that regard."
Hammel allowed a run on five hits. He did not walk a batter, though he did go to a full count several times.
"I get a pretty good job with runners
on base but I was getting behind hitters," Hammel said. "It wasn't a bad
outing but the timing wasn't right."
Indians starter Justin Masterson allowed one earned run and two hits in three innings.
"We continue to pitch well," Acta said.
"Masterson fell behind in the count in the first inning, had a better
second and finished strong."
Masterson has struggled with consistency in his delivery and he continues to work to find his comfort zone.
"The big thing is repeating my
delivery," Masterson said. "I'm not a robot. Things won't always be
exactly the same, but I want to be able to get to a point where if I am
going to throw a certain pitch, I can be confident in what it is going
to do, where it is going to go."
Cleveland's top draft pick from last
year, Drew Pomeranz, threw two scoreless innings in his second
appearance. He has four strikeouts in three innings and has yet to give
up a hit.
"He's got good velocity and is
effortless," Acta said. "He also has a very good feel for his breaking
ball. His curve is impressive. It has a tight rotation and he is able to
command it."
NOTES:
Indians IF Jason Donald, who missed the game after getting by a hit
pitch Saturday, went through a full workout without a problem. ...
Cleveland RHP Anthony Reyes, who missed last season following elbow
surgery, threw a bullpen Saturday to test a sore right elbow. Acta said
he was fine Sunday. ... Rockies C Wilin Rosario (ACL surgery) and IF
Eric Young (recovering from a stress fracture) ran the bases as they
continue progressing toward full baseball activities. ... Rockies INF
Ian Stewart (slight sprain in right knee) took ground balls and batting
practice and is "starting to gain steam," Tracy said. ... Colorado RHP
Aaron Cook (shoulder tightness) is scheduled to play catch on flat
ground Monday.
