Jason Marquis gave the Rockies and their fans a chance to relax on Monday.
The right-hander, slated to pitch the Rockies home opener against Philadelphia on April 10, put together five strong innings in Monday’s exhibition game against Arizona at Hi Corbett Field, a significant about-face from the struggles of his three previous appearances.
Marquis worked five innings, the only misstep a two-run home run that Arizona first baseman Josh Whitesell hit in the fourth inning.
“It definitely feels good,’’ said Marquis. “It can erase away any doubts the coaches and my teammates had. I got back to basics and let my athletic ability take over.’’
Working on adjustments in his windup this spring designed to slow down his body, Marquis allowed 23 runs, 22 earned, in 12 innings his three previous starts. He walked seven batters in those games.
He only issued one walk against an Arizona lineup that did feature projected Opening Day starters Justin Upton in right field, Stephen Drew at shortstop, Conor Jackson in left field, Mark Reynolds at third base and Chris Snyder at catcher.
Marquis said he did not focus on the adjustments in this start.
“I didn’t think about them and hoped all the work we would be in pay off,’’ said Marquis. “You trust your body muscle memory to be in the position you need to be in (during the delivery).’’
As a bonus, Marquis had a sacrifice fly, driving in Chris Iannetta, who doubled and was sacrificed to third by Clint Barmes to set the stage for Marquis.
“It goes back to being an athlete,’’ said Marquis. “I pride myself in everything I do. I work on it. I take extra batting practice in the cage. It’s part of my game.’’
Most of all, though, Marquis said he felt good about the way he pitched.
“In my mind it was not a worry, but I know from having been a teammate for a number of years, when you see a new guy you expect something from, you look to them to be a key to helping you get to the next level and you feel, `Let’s go, get it going,’’’ said Marquis.