video thumbnail

Moyer pitches 5 2/3 innings of two-run ball

Starting the season in a 2-8 slump, the Padres got a shot in the arm Monday night against the Rockies, cruising to a 7-1 win.

The team will try to use that momentum to get back-to-back wins for the first time this season on Tuesday at Coors Field.

San Diego turns to Anthony Bass, who'll make his second start of the season, after filling in for an injured Dustin Moseley.

The right-hander allowed one run on three hits against the D-backs on Thursday in 4 1/3 innings. He also struck out five and walked two for the no-decision.

A reliever to begin the season, Bass was on a strict pitch count, tossing 88 pitches, with a limit of 90 for the game. And had it not been for the high pitch count, Bass had command of his pitches to go longer.

"Loved it," Padres catcher Nick Hundley said of Bass' performance. "I thought he threw the ball well. I liked his changeup to both sides of the plate. When he can throw that, he's tough to hit."

Bass will be up against 49-year-old veteran Jamie Moyer, who is attempting to supplant Brooklyn's Jack Quinn (46 years, 70 days) as the oldest pitcher in Major League history to earn a win.

Yet, in his first two starts of the season, it has been errors that have prevented Moyer from reaching the milestone.

Thursday against the Giants, Chris Nelson committed a throwing error on first-inning leadoff man Angel Pagan's grounder that didn't cost a run but forced Moyer to eventually pitch out of a bases-loaded jam. An error by Dexter Fowler in the sixth helped the Giants to a 4-2 win and handed Moyer the loss.

The team has combined for five errors in the left-hander's first two outings, in which he is 0-2 with a 4.22 ERA.

"As long as my teammates are giving the best effort, and I feel that they are giving a great effort, all I can do is pitch," said Moyer.

Padres: Kotsay back from DL
San Diego reinstated utility man Mark Kotsay from the 15-day disabled list Monday, optioning right-hander Brad Brach to Triple-A Tucson.

Kotsay began the season on the DL with a strained right calf muscle. Signing with the Padres as a free agent in the offseason, Kotsay hit .345 with three RBIs in 13 Spring Training games.

Rockies: Team breaks ground in Dominican Republic
• The Rockies broke ground on Saturday for a state-of-the-art Dominican Republic Academy in Jubey, Boca Chica, Dominican Republic. Once completed, the academy will be the office and home for all Latin American operations, including the Rockies' Dominican Summer League Team.

"Saturday was a very exciting day for the Colorado Rockies," said Bill Geivett, vice president of scouting and player development/assistant general manager. "We have always had a strong presence in Latin America, but our new academy will greatly benefit our staff and young players not only in their baseball pursuits, but in language and education as well."

Among the team personnel that took part in the ceremonial groundbreaking were: executive vice president - CFO and general counsel Hal Roth, director of international scouting Rolando Fernandez and senior director of medical operations and special projects Tom Probst.

• Rockies left-handed relief pitcher Josh Outman (strained right oblique) threw a 30-pitch bullpen and "turned it loose, felt good," according to manager Jim Tracy. Outman will throw another bullpen session on Wednesday, and batting practice on Saturday.

Worth noting
• San Diego and Colorado split 18 meetings last year, with the Padres winning the final four contests. The team continued that winning streak Monday, beating the Rockies at Coors Field.

• The Padres' hitters lead the Majors in both walks (50) and strikeouts (97).

• Rockies lefty Jorge De La Rosa (Tommy John surgery) threw a four-inning, 60-pitch simulated game on Monday.

MLB.com Comments