Opening day starter works out of some jams
PEORIA – Aaron Cook’s final line didn’t look all that impressive, but the Colorado Rockies’ opening day starter got just what he wanted out of his next-to-last spring training start.
Cook pitched into the sixth inning, throwing exactly 100 pitches and giving up three runs as the Rockies beat the Seattle Mariners 8-3 on Friday afternoon.
With his sinker staying too flat for his liking, Cook relied more on his slider and was able to wiggle out of the few jams he faced. It was the kind of challenge he wanted before the season opener arrives April 6 against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
“I would have liked to get another inning out of 100 pitches, but I didn’t have my best stuff working today. I just kind of battled through it,” Cook said. “They had a really good lineup out there, and I think they had a really good game plan because they hit my sinker really well. They hit some pretty good pitches.”
Cook pitched 5 1/2 innings, scattering 10 hits and allowing three runs. He struck out two and walked only one.
“It was one of those starts more toward the middle of your season where you’re struggling a little bit and battle through it,” he said.
Colorado reliever Manuel Corpas got his turn in the Rockies competition for the closer position with RHP Huston Street. Corpas fared well, allowing only a two-out single.