SAN FRANCISCO -- When Rockies right-hander Jon Gray is calling for stand-ins as he throws his final bullpen pitches before games, righty German Marquez is trying mind tricks, and lefty Tyler Anderson is studying strategies.
Whether it's physical or mental, Rockies starters need to find a way to reverse a trend of poor first innings.
Righty Chad Bettis entered Tuesday's start against the Giants with an 11.40 ERA in the first inning -- the highest of any pitcher with 10 or more starts.