Arizona walked away from yesterday's exhibition game against the Colorado Rockies with valuable experience instead of a victory.

The Rockies won 15-1 but did their best to help the Wildcats improve.

"They had the opportunity to see big league baseball and see some really good arms," said Rockies fill-in manager Toby Harrah. "You really notice the difference between amateur ball and professional ball because you see some really live fastballs and the curveballs are a little sharper."

Manager Buddy Bell was absent from yesterday's game because he was in Denver receiving treatment on his injured back.

Arizona pitcher freshman Will Miller gave up four runs in the first inning on four hits that ended with a two-run triple by Rockies shortstop Juan Uribe.

But the highlight for Miller occurred before the game.

"I met one pitcher, but I don't even know who it was. I was in centerfield and he a said 'good luck' and 'keep the ball down' to me and then winked. It was a good experience," Miller said.

UA sophomore second baseman Greg Powers knocked in the lone run for the Wildcats with a single in the top of the fourth inning. Powers said he was so elated about the hit, he didn't even realize UA was on the scoreboard.

"I didn't even realize it was our first run, I was just thinking that I got a hit off of (Colorado pitcher) Scott Elarton," he said.

The run drew a thunderous ovation from the fans and a few words from Colorado first baseman Todd Helton to Powers.

"I was kind of surprised because when I got to first I thought the crowd was a little louder than they were going to be," Powers said. "Helton just told me 'good hit.'"

UA senior shortstop Brad Hassey led off the game with a double down the right field line and also received some congratulatory words from Helton.

"He told me 'way to go the other way with (the ball)', which is a great compliment from him because he is probably one of the best hitting first basemen in the league," Hassey said.

But the lessons for the Wildcats continued after the game.

UA Head Coach Andy Lopez sent four freshmen into the Rockies' clubhouse to discuss weight training with some of their players.

"You look at Will Thompson and John Hardy they are not real physical. We need to get physical eventually in this program because this is a big man's game," Lopez said. "If you're going to get serious about getting to a national realm you need to get bigger, stronger and faster."

Despite the blow out, Lopez said he was pleased about the afternoon.

"I believe with all my heart that experience is a great teacher," he said "This has been a real valuable day"

Arizona (15-4) plays California State Dominguez Hills at 5 p.m. tomorrow and 1 p.m. on Sunday at Sancet Field.