SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — A year ago, C.J. Cron was just trying to make the big-league roster after signing a minor-league deal with the Rockies.
Now, after leading the team with 28 home runs last season, the veteran first baseman is raking again. After hitting a two-run homer off Arizona lefty Madison Bumgarner Sunday, Cron is hitting .462 in Cactus League play.
Bumgarner had pitched high and inside to Cron earlier in the game but Cron made him pay by launching a 425-foot blast to left-center in the fourth inning.
In the sixth, Arizona closer Mark Melancon plunked Cron in the batting helmet.