It never hurts to make a good first impression.
That's exactly what new Colorado Rockies left-hander Austin Gomber did in the Rockies 5-2 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks in the Cactus League opener Sunday at Salk River Fields in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Gomber started and went two scoreless innings, allowing one hit and striking out one. The Rockies used seven pitchers and only one of them, Chi Chi Gonzalez, gave up any runs.
The D'backs jumped in front with a pair of runs in the third but an inning later, the Rockies tied the game with a two-run fourth. Garrett Hampson had an RBI single and Raimel Tapia brought in a run with a fielder's choice ground ball.
The Rockies took the lead for good when Ryan McMahon scored on a wild pitch in the fifth inning to make it 3-2 Rockies.
They added another run in the sixth and a final tally in the eighth before the game was called.
For the first couple of weeks during Cactus League play, teams have the option to shorten the game some from the customary nine innings.
ROCKIES-D'BACKS BOX SCORE IS HERE
The Rockies will take on the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday at Camelback Ranch in Glendale.
Coverage of that game will start at 12:55 p.m. MST on KOA NewsRadio 850 AM and 94.1 FM. Listeners in the seven county Denver Metro area can stream the game live, free of charge, on iHeartRadio. This includes via the iHeartRadio app for smartphones and tablets, via desktop and laptop computers at KOANewsRadio.com and on Smart Speakers (say “Play KOA on iHeartRadio”).
Rockies pitcher Austin Gomber after Sunday's win.
Rockies infielder Josh Fuentes after Sunday's win.
Rockies infielder-outfielder Garrett Hampson after Sunday's win.
Rockies manager Bud Black after Sunday's win.