D-backs game report: Monday, March 3

By foxsports
Published

Angels 3, Diamondbacks 2

Game recap: Brandon McCarthy was sick Monday, but it did not show in his pitching. He gave up three hits, only one out of the infield, in five shutout innings in the Diamondbacks' 3-2 loss to the Angels. Former Arizona outfielder Collin Cowgill's double down the left-field line was the only ball out of the infield off McCarthy. D-backs shortstop prospect Nick Ahmed had an RBI groundout, and minor leaguer Rudy Flores doubled off the batter's eye to drive in a second run in the ninth inning, the only noise the offense made.

Hitting notes: Martin Prado and Ender Inciarte were the only starters to get hits. Prado's was in infield single toward third, Inciarte's a bunt down the third-base line. The D-backs did not get a hit out of the infield until Tyler Bortnick lined a single to center to open the ninth.

Pitching notes: McCarthy got 11 of his 15 outs on grounders, including a double play on the last batter he faced in the fifth inning. He struck out two and walked one, and only one runner got as far as second base. "He executed well," manager Kirk Gibson said." ... Eury De La Rosa took the loss after a walk and an errant pickoff throw set up J.B. Shuck's sacrifice fly for the first run of the game in the sixth inning. 

Short hops: Didi Gregorius's name has been floated in all sorts of trade rumors this spring, but the D-backs are not close to making any trade, according to a source. A deal for either of the young shortstops (Chris Owings is the other) would require either an injury on another team that created a significant need or a top young pitching prospect that the D-backs could not refuse. Most spring deals happen close to the start of the regular season. ... Cody Ross ran the bases for the first time Monday, going about 60-70 percent, Gibson said. Ross may play in a simulated game at Salt River Fields on Tuesday, when Randall Delgado is scheduled to start and throw 60 pitches or so. ... Tuffy Gosewisch (calf) also ran Monday and reported progress. He expects to do more Tuesday. ... The D-backs agreed to terms with all of their remaining 22 pre-arbitration-eligible players Monday, leaving them with all players signed for 2014.

End quote: "He kept the ball down and had good, late life. He threw inside when he had to. He stayed away from other pitches." -- D-backs manager Kirk Gibson on Brandon McCarthy's five shutout innings.

Diamondbacks 5, Rockies 0

Game recap: It was the Archie Bradley show, as the D-backs' top prospect struck out five in three innings of work in his spring training debut. Bradley gave up just one hit and walked two, with all the base runners coming in the second inning, a frame that ended with a strikeout to escape a bases-loaded jam. The Diamondbacks got an RBI double from Mike Jacobs and an RBI single from Mark Trumbo to highlight the offense.

Hitting notes: A.J. Pollock, Gerardo Parra, Chris Owings, Trumbo, Cliff Pennington and Henry Blanco were the regulars to see action. Parra, Trumbo and Blanco each recorded a hit -- the Diamondbacks had nine as a team -- while Pollock and Owings each walked once.

Pitching notes: After Bradley's impressive start, Bo Schultz followed with two perfect innings. Zeke Spruill, Joe Thatcher, Joe Paterson and R.J. Hively each threw a scoreless frame to finish off the shutout.

Short hops: Of Bradley's six strikeouts, five came against Colorado regulars. The hard-throwing 21-year-old struck out Rockies leadoff hitter Drew Stubbs twice (both looking) and Michael Cuddyer, Carlos Gonzalez and Nolan Arenado once each. He also set down starting pitcher Christian Friedrich for his final strikeout. ... The D-backs announced that right-hander Bronson Arroyo, scheduled to start Tuesday's game against the Padres, would be scratched due to a stiff back. He will be replaced by Randall Delgado.

End quote: "I had a lot of fun out there. I t was fun to finally face someone without a Diamondbacks jersey on. ... Obviously you couldn't ask for a better debut." -- D-backs pitcher Archie Bradley on spring debut.

Tuesday's games: Diamonbacks (4-4) vs. Padres (2-2), Peoria Stadium

Probable pitchers: Randall Delgado (0-0, 2.45) vs. Eric Stults (0-1, 13.50)