Cochran-Gill called up for spring training game

By Michael Butler

Former Tallassee player Trey Cochran-Gill pitched for the Seattle Mariners vs. the Arizona Diamondbacks in a spring game in Peoria, Ariz. on March 7.

Cochran-Gill pitched the fourth inning giving up one hit, a two-out solo home run to Mark Trumbo. On the at-bat, Cochran-Gill started Trumbo off with an 85 mile-per-hour slider that missed the strike zone. The next pitch was clocked at 92, a four-seam fast ball that Trumbo drove over the left center wall.

Trumbo is a power hitter. The former player with the Angels has hit 109 homers in five seasons. His season best 32 long balls came in an all-star year in 2012.

The three batters that Cochran-Gill retired were Aaron Hill on a ground out to second baseman Robinson Cano, Jake Lamb on a fly out to left fielder Rickie Weeks and Cody Ross on a ground out to third baseman Patrick Kivlehan.

Cochran-Gill replaced Dominic Leone in the effort. David Rollins came on in relief of Cochran-Gill in the fifth.

In his previous minor league outings in the Northwest League last year, the former Auburn University pitcher was 2-0 in 10 2/3 innings allowing no earned runs. In the Appalachian League, Cochran-Gill was 3-0 with a .35 ERA in 25 2/3 innings of work. Overall, batters hit just .172 against him.

Q & A with Trey

Q: What went through your head when you were told about the move up?

A: I was just excited. Every now and then they call up minor league guys to be backups in the games. It's not guaranteed you will pitch, just a chance. Luckily I got the pitch the fourth inning.

Q: Explain the emotions and how you handled it pitching against a big league team.

A: I was pretty calm when they said I was going in to pitch. It's just like playing in any other game, just on a higher level. And you just don't get away with mistakes as much. If you make mistakes to the big league guys then they'll most likely make you pay for those. I was more anxious if anything to just get out there and show them what I could do.

Q: I know you gave up one long ball, but how would you grade your first outing overall?

A: Overall for my first outing, I thought I did pretty well. I still have a lot of work to do though. I can't ever settle and be satisfied with that outing. The ball Trumbo hit was an outside fastball that ran back over the plate a bit and he made me pay for that mistake, ha ha. I got the other big league guys to roll over some balls and fly out. Overall it was an awesome experience to get out there. Definitely makes me want to make it that much more.

Send Comments