Cubs 5, Rockies 4
At Salt River Fields
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — There is not much for Bud Black to worry about with his center fielder. Charlie Blackmon has been among the Rockies’ most reliable players for four years. But Black is pushing Blackmon into new territory, sending the 31-year-old down two spots in his lineup, so there is some feeling out to do.
The idea is to hit Blackmon third, as a way to take advantage of his slugging power. And Blackmon on Monday hit his first home run in spring, a two-run shot in the first inning off Cubs starter Kyle Hendricks to right-center field.