Nelson punches out five in win over Rockies

Diamondbacks 6, Rockies 2

At Salt River Fields, Saturday, Feb. 24 On the mound: RHP Ryne Nelson turned in a strong spring debut, striking out five in two scoreless innings. Nelson got eight whiffs, five of which came on a revamped slider. “That’s been a big thing I’ve been working on, figuring out how to get the slider to work the way I want it to,” Nelson said. “I want it to be harder and have more of a fastball line and break off later.” He averaged 95.2 mph on his fastball, topping at 97.2. RHP Miguel Castro and RHP Luis Frias fired scoreless innings in relief. RHP Justin Martinez struggled, giving up a run on three hits and a walk. He exhibited his typically explosive stuff but left manager Torey Lovullo sounding unsatisfied. “Your fastball command is going to be important, I don’t care how hard you throw,” Lovullo said.

At the plate: 2B Jace Peterson drove in the Diamondbacks’ first two runs, dropping an RBI single to center in the first and lacing a double to left in the third. CF Alek Thomas had a pair of hits, including a single to left off Rockies LHP Joe Rock in the third. “We ran the bases well, we had some timely hitting,” Lovullo said. “It was just a really nice day overall.” RF Corbin Carroll made his spring debut, going 0 for 2 with a walk.

Extra bases: SS Jordan Lawlar got a good read on a ball in the third in the third and scored easily from third base. C Jose Herrera earned praise from Lovullo for his handling of Martinez in the fifth, adjusting his pitch calling to help navigate Martinez out of the inning. “Those are the little things that we focus on, pay a lot of attention to,” Lovullo said. “Adjusting to some of the things that are in front of you.”

Next game, Sunday, Feb. 25: Diamondbacks RHP Slade Cecconi vs. White Sox RHP Jonathan Cannon, 1:10 p.m., Salt River Fields.