Rockies Blank Diamondbacks in Cactus League Opener

The Rockies and Diamondbacks play one another in their 2024 Cactus League opener.

Photo by Evan Thompson/Sport Relay

February 23, 2024

Rockies 3, Diamondbacks 0

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Feb. 23) — Seven Colorado Rockies pitchers combined to strike out 16, leading their team to a 3–0 victory over the defending National League champion Arizona Diamondbacks Friday afternoon in Cactus League play. The Rockies limited the Diamondbacks to five hits and three walks while striking out seven.

Offensively, designated hitter Elehuris Montero blasted a 449-foot home run up the berm in left field, while center fielder Brenton Doyle went 2-for-2 with a double. Shortstop Alan Trejo, who went 1-for-2, scored the second Rockies run on a single to right by catcher Drew Romo. The third run came after a seventh-inning walk by first baseman Grant Lavigne, who scored on a ground-ball double down the left-field line by right fielder Jordan Beck.

Rockies starting pitcher Carson Palmquist, 23, tossed two innings. He allowed one hit while walking one and striking out four. This was Palmquist’s first career spring training start. When manager Bud Black told him he was starting, Palmquist scarcely believed it at first. “It was a shock to me,” Palmquist said. “I had no idea, but it was awesome. I told him, ‘Let’s do it’ and ‘I’m ready to go.’” The lone hit allowed by Palmquist came on the first pitch of the game, a single by 2023 NLCS MVP Ketel Marte.

What Went Right for the Rockies

Strikeouts

Rockies pitchers combined for 16 strikeouts. Palmquist had four; Jeff Criswell and Matt Koch each had three; and Chance Adams, Evan Justice, and Gavin Hollowell each had two.

Limited Walks

Of the 35 hitters Rockies pitchers faced, only three walked. Palmquist had one walk, and Criswell had two.

Stranding Runners

Rockies pitchers stranded eight Diamondbacks runners, with three being left in scoring position. Only one Diamondback even reached third base.

Putting the Ball in Play

Rockies hitters combined for seven strikeouts in 32 plate appearances. No one on the team struck out more than once.

What Went Right for the Diamondbacks

Second baseman Blaze Alexander went 2-for-2 with a double and was the lone Diamondback to reach third base.

Starting pitcher Tommy Henry tossed two scoreless innings. He limited the Rockies to one hit while walking none and striking out three.

The seven Diamondbacks pitchers limited the Rockies to three walks.

Quotes

“It was a good swing. I thought he just missed that first one, got beat a little bit on the on the first at-bat. But he got all of that second one. That was a bomb. It was good to see.” — Bud Black on Elehuris Montero’s home run

“I thought I did pretty well. Had to settle in there after the first batter. Threw a few balls. But I felt like I battled and showed them what I can do, and I’ll build up from there.” — Carson Palmquist on his start

“It’s a different look. Little lower arm slot, long stride. He’s got some deception to the breaking ball. I liked the fact that he was around the plate. Not a lot of big misses. … Good first step for him.” — Black on Palmquist’s performance

“This morning, I was extremely nervous. (Asked) all the older guys what they do if they’re really nervous before games and (tried) to embrace all the nerves, go out there and have fun. But I definitely couldn’t embrace all of them. I was still nervous.” — Palmquist on whether he had butterflies before the game

“Yeah. Once the game starts, it’s time to go. Nerves go away. It’s time to compete and do what I can do.” — Palmquist on whether he was able to channel the nerves once he took the mound

“Being 23 years old, looking up to all those guys for the past few years when I was in college or whatnot…. It was really cool to face them. But maybe I’ll get his number next time.” — Palmquist on the first batter he faced being Ketel Marte

Looking Ahead

The Rockies will face the Diamondbacks again Saturday, with the Rockies fielding a split-squad group. Rockies right-hander Noah Davis will face Diamondbacks right-hander Ryne Nelson. First pitch will be at 1:10 pm Mountain Time.