SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Rockies left fielder David Dahl was happy for a new taste Saturday. Dahl knocked two doubles – one down the third-base line against the shift in the first inning, and one more solid into the right-center gap in the fourth -- in the Rockies’ 7-3 win over

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Rockies left fielder David Dahl was happy for a new taste Saturday.

Dahl knocked two doubles – one down the third-base line against the shift in the first inning, and one more solid into the right-center gap in the fourth -- in the Rockies’ 7-3 win over the D-backs in both teams’ Spring Training opener at Salt River Fields.

Last season resulted in a postseason trip for the Rockies, which Dahl helped make possible with a strong September. But between the 12-inning National League Wild Card Game victory over the Cubs and two of the three losses to the Brewers in the NL Division Series, Dahl went a combined 0-for-11 with three strikeouts.

At any other point, those at-bats are a blip. But because they happened at the end, they were a driving force.

”It’s always fun to get back on the field and get back to competing,” said Dahl, who entered Spring Training as a starter for the first time in his career. “The way we ended last year, we were all excited to get back out there. Just keep riding that feeling out for the rest of the spring and into the season.”

Left-handed-hitting outfielder Sam Hilliard, a player of size, speed and power who is moving up the prospect ranks after a solid Arizona Fall League last year, hit a two-run homer to right field in the eighth off D-backs righty Joel Payamps to break a 3-3 tie.

Left-handed-hitting Ryan McMahon knocked a two-run single, and Pat Valaika (competing with McMahon and others for playing time at second base) added an RBI single.

Third-base prospect Colton Welker added a two-run homer in the ninth off D-backs righty Stefan Crichton.

Scary opening to the Story

Rockies shortstop Trevor Story left Saturday's game in the fourth after being hit on the right elbow by D-backs righty Jimmie Sherfy’s 92.1 mph high-and-inside fastball. Story said he was fine after receiving treatment for a contusion.

”Any time you get hit around the elbow or wrist or hand or anything like that, initially there is a little panic, but you kind of feel it out and it’s fine,” said Story, who already was not scheduled to play Sunday against the Mariners.

The information-gathering process

Rockies righty starter Chad Bettis , who threw two innings, gave up a three-run homer to Steven Souza Jr. in the first. Bettis developed a slider last season and has been honing it during the offseason. That one did not go so well.

”That’s not one that you want to throw in the game … it just backed up,” Bettis said. “I felt like I threw a couple good ones in the game today, and obviously, that was one of the bad ones. It’s just a learning process here.

”I have a couple more starts of collecting stuff, and then it’s go time.”

Go time, already

Righty Jeff Hoffman , who is competing for a rotation spot along with righty Antonio Senzatela, entered in the third and threw his first pitch at 97.1 mph. His last pitch was 97. While his velocity stayed in the 93-97 range, it was clear he wasn’t experimenting.

”I don’t have time to be working on stuff,” said Hoffman, who sustained a right shoulder injury last spring and had six Major League appearances last season (one start). “I’m on the outside looking in right now. I know that. I’m here to make the team. I don’t have time to mess around with feeling for stuff. I have to get people out, take advantage of every opportunity.”

Rockies manager Bud Black said he was most impressed by Hoffman's "repeatable delivery."

"I thought he stayed within his mechanics," Black said.

Hoffman threw early-count curveballs in the strike zone, which was his plan. He’ll throw pitches designed to entice hitters to chase later in camp.

Displaying the key tool immediately

Outfielder Yonathan Daza, who was limited to 54 games at Double-A Lancaster by left hamstring and left shoulder injuries last season, flashed his speed in the seventh when he ran down a deep drive from the D-backs’ Kevin Cron.

In 2017, Daza used his speed to go 31-for-39 on stolen-base attempts at Class A Advanced Lancaster, then stole 11 bases in the Arizona Fall League that year.

Unusual, powerful arm

Sidearm righty prospect Justin Lawrence, who showed consistent power but developing control in last year's Arizona Fall League, struck out two in a perfect ninth. Lawrence touched 98 mph, but ended the game by catching Cron looking at an 85 mph changeup.

"To throw it with that velocity is something that you don't see, but we'll see how this plays out as the season gets going and his career unfolds as he goes to higher levels," Black said.

Up next

Righty Jon Gray , searching for consistency after a tough 2018, will start for the Rockies against the Mariners at Salt River Fields on Sunday at 1:10 p.m. MT. Gray will be followed by two key Rockies prospects, righties Peter Lambert and Ryan Casellani. Three relievers trying to erase rough 2018 seasons -- veteran righty Bryan Shaw, lefty Jake McGee and young righty Carlos Estevez -- will also pitch in relief. The Mariners will start lefty Wade LeBlanc.