SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Will Middlebrooks and Yangervis Solarte gave no ground in their tight competition for San Diego’s starting third base job, each driving a run in the Padres’ 10-3 victory over a Colorado Rockies split squad Wednesday.
Middlebrooks had an RBI single in the sixth and went 1-for-3. He’s hitting .357.
Solarte, who started at first, had an RBI-single in the third off Rockies’ starter Tyler Matzek. He went 1-for-4 and is at .344.
Middlebrooks was acquired in an offseason deal with Boston after an injury-filled 2014. The Padres got Solarte last summer when they traded third baseman Chase Headley to the Yankees.
“They’re playing with enthusiasm. They’re competing hard,” Padres’ manager Bud Black said. “We have a little bit of a track record with Solarte based on half a season last year. And Will is coming into camp trying to make the most of an opportunity. ”
Padres non-roster invite Cody Decker, best known for his elaborate minor league pranks that he turns into YouTube films, hit a grand slam off Scott Oberg in the eighth. It was his second homer of the spring.
Carlos Quentin doubled twice for the Padres. Drew Stubbs had a solo homer and RBI-single off Padres starter Tyson Ross.
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Rockies pitcher Jorge De La Rosa (groin) is scheduled to make his Cactus League debut Friday against Oakland.
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Wilin Rosario is away from the Rockies following the death of his grandfather. Rosario is expected back Thursday night.
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After Kyle Parker left with broken ribs in his final game as Clemson’s quarterback in 2010, he began a much more low-profile road in baseball that’s entering its fifth year with the Rockies.
“It tests yourself in how willing you are to put the work in,” the 25-year-old Parker said.
Parker started in right and went 0-for-2 with a walk. He’s hitting .304 with four doubles.
Manager Walt Weiss called Parker “an interesting guy” because of his rare right-handed power and his ability to play left, right and first.
Parker made his major league debut last season, hitting .192 in 18 games. He’s part of a crowded outfield, and Weiss said he needs to be more consistent.
“I’m confident in my abilities that if I prepare and play the way I’m capable of, I’m going to end up in a good situation somewhere,” Parker said.
