Kyle Freeland strong in Cactus League debut

Rockies 10, Mariners 9
Friday at Salt River Fields

On the mound: Lefty Kyle Freeland, intent on a bounce-back season, got off to a good start. In his first Cactus League outing, Freeland pitched two perfect innings, striking out one. He threw 19 of 21 pitches for strikes. … Right-handed relievers Matt Carasiti (1 1/3 innings) and Jake Bird (one inning), as well as lefty Evan Justice (one inning), all held the Mariners scoreless. … Veteran right-hander John Curtiss did not fare well, getting rocked for five runs on five hits (including a homer and a double) and a walk in two-thirds of an inning.

At the plate: Third baseman Ryan McMahon went 2-for-3 and hit his first homer of spring. …  Veteran outfielder Bradley Zimmer, bidding for a roster spot, also hit a homer, hit 2-for-3 and drove in two runs. … Second baseman Brendan Rodgers went 2-for-3 and has batted 4-for-8 in his last three games. … Sam Hilliard, in his return to the Rockies, was 1-for-2 with a walk. He’s competing with Zimmer to make the roster as a fifth outfielder.