The World Baseball Classic shakeup also gives the backers a chance to shake off some of the younger players in the absence of some regulars now playing for their national teams. That actually included Alek Thomas, who was in the opposition dugout and went 2-for-3 against his old team. Six of Arizona’s eight pitchers allowed zero runs today. That includes starting pitcher Zac Gallen, who pitched two innings in his second start of the spring. Zach did his job in just 22 pitches today, allowing just one hit and no walks or strikeouts.
After that, Taylor Clarke, Joe Ross, Andrew Hoffmann and debutant Grant Homan hit zero of players expected to seriously compete for roster spots. Hoffman looked particularly good, striking out two of the three batters he faced in the sixth inning. Most of the damage came from Juan Morillo, who was ambushed on four hits in his first few pitches, giving Mexico a four-run fourth. Dylan Ray allowed a homer to Mammal Rowdy Tellez in the eighth and another to Alejandro Osuna in the ninth. ABS is not functioning this afternoon so there is nothing to report.
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Offensively, both teams had 11 hits each. Starters Tim Tava and Jordan Lalor each had two hits, while reliever Lou James Grover went 2-for-2. James McCann had an RBI hit and a walk, but the D-backs gave up multiple comeback chances after trailing 4-0. They went 3-for-15 with runners in scoring position and had significantly more chances than Mexico, who went 3-for-9 with RISP. Still, the D-backs performed better than the Giants, who were outscored 15-1 by “America’s Team.” Hey, UK beat the Brewers 7-3, with Kristin Robinson having two hits for Blighty.
The Cactus League will resume regular service again at Hohokam with a game against the Athletics. Brandon Pfaadt is your scheduled starter, taking the first pitch at 1:05 p.m.
