The Associated Press
Seattle third baseman Jeff Cirillo spears a line drive off the bat of Colorado's Jose Ortiz in the fifth inning of the Rockies 3-1 win on Monday.

Colorado's Thomson handcuffs M's

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Originally published Tuesday, March 26, 2002

PEORIA, Ariz. -- Colorado fourth starter John Thomson pitched six scoreless innings Monday in the Rockies' 3-1 victory over the Seattle Mariners.

Thomson, who was 4-5 with a 4.04 ERA in 14 starts for the Rockies last season, gave up singles to ex-Rockies third baseman Jeff Cirillo in the first inning and Bret Boone in the fourth.

Thomson struck out seven and didn't walk a batter. He was elated to beat a quality Mariners' lineup.

"For some reason, I had them off balance today," he said. "I can't explain it."

He said the victory boosted his confidence going into the regular season.

"It really does," Thomson said. "Judging by some of the hitters' reaction and watching them in the box."

Mike James, Todd Jones and Jose Jimenez each pitched one inning for Colorado.

"Thomson has a good arm," Mariners manager Lou Piniella said. "He showed it. Thomson threw the ball very well. This was a very good spring training game. You don't see these type of games in Arizona all that often."

The Rockies took a 1-0 lead in the first on Todd Helton's RBI double. Jack Cust, who will start the season at Triple-A Colorado Springs, had a two-run homer in the sixth off Joel Pineiro, who is expected to be Seattle's No. 5 starter this season. Pineiro allowed three runs and seven hits in six innings.

Although left-hander John Halama and Ryan Franklin, who are trying to be Seattle's fifth starter, too, have to pitch this week, Piniella sounded as if his mind was made up about Pineiro.

"I said coming into spring training that Pineiro was the front runner and I haven't changed my mind," he said. "He's pitched well enough here. So I would anticipate he'll keep his spot."

James Horner singled in Seattle's run off Jones in the eighth.

Benny Agbayani went 2-for-2, including a double, for the Rockies, who did not have Larry Walker in their lineup.

The Olympian Copyright 2002

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