At Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, Arizona, the Colorado Rockies clinched a thrilling 3-2 walk-off win over the San Diego Padres on Friday. This game featured standout pitching performances and critical offensive plays, highlighted by Randy Vásquez’s strong start for the Rockies.
Padres’ Key Batters and Their Offensive Contributions
The Padres managed just four hits during the game, three of which were recorded by their starters. Second baseman Jake Cronenworth and third baseman Sung-Mun Song each singled, while Ramón Laureano added a double. Samad Taylor provided a valuable RBI single off the bench in the eighth inning, which tied the game at 2-2. This contest also marked the final appearances of Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. before their departure for the World Baseball Classic. Tatis went 0-for-2, covering four innings in right field, and Machado contributed a sacrifice fly without a hit. Shortstop Xander Bogaerts finished 0-for-2 with a walk and two strikeouts, and first baseman Miguel Andujar went 0-for-3 at the plate.
Randy Vásquez Delivers Impressive Pitching in Second Cactus League Start
Randy Vásquez stood out with a dominant performance, pitching 2⅔ scoreless innings without allowing a hit. His fastball averaged 95.6 mph as he struck out four hitters and walked two, throwing 24 strikes out of 37 pitches. This outing extended his streak to two Cactus League starts without yielding a run. Teammates Ron Marinaccio and Tristan McKenzie had more difficult results, with Marinaccio surrendering a home run to All-Star catcher Hunter Goodman over 1⅓ innings, and McKenzie giving up a run in two innings. Left-hander Jackson Wolf contributed a scoreless seventh inning, while right-hander Sean Boyle worked a scoreless eighth but then allowed a walk-off home run to Zac Veen, ending the game.
Padres Adjustments as Key Players Head to World Baseball Classic
Sung-Mun Song started his second game at third base and has also appeared at second base, with the Padres experimenting by giving him time in the outfield and possibly shortstop. This strategy aims to evaluate Song’s versatility while regulars Tatis, Machado, and Bogaerts compete internationally. Additionally, infielder/outfielder Pablo Reyes left the game due to an elbow injury after being hit by a pitch and is considered day-to-day.
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Start for JP Sears
The Rockies will send left-hander JP Sears to the mound for his second spring start at 1:10 p.m. Saturday in Peoria against the Seattle Mariners, as the team continues to prepare and assess pitching depth.
