TUCSON, Ariz. - Mark Redman's intention wasn't to show the Colorado Rockies he deserved a spot in the rotation. He just wanted to sharpen his command. | MLB page

The lefty went a long way in accomplishing both. Redman had solid control in six strong innings and the Rockies beat the Chicago Cubs 7-3 on Friday.

"My approach is to not try to show that I belong," he said. "They know what I can do."

Redman pitched well for the Rockies down the stretch last season as the team captured the NL pennant.

However, he's struggled in spring training, giving up 13 earned runs in 12 2-3 innings.

Redman found his groove against the Cubs, scattering seven hits and striking out three. He also forced the Cubs to ground into two double plays.

"That was more of his M.O. - early strikes, ahead in the count," manager Clint Hurdle said. "It was good for 'Red' to take the mound and be efficient with his pitches. It's a much better product all around."

The Rockies are searching for help in the back end of their rotation. Redman, Franklin Morales, Josh Towers and Kip Wells are all vying for the fourth and fifth spots in the rotation.

Morales, a strong candidate for the fourth spot, was roughed up Thursday, allowing five earned runs over five innings.

Jeff Francis was scheduled to start at Hi Corbett on Friday, but the Rockies bumped him to the back diamonds for a minor-league game to get a good look at Redman.

"They've given me a leash this spring," Redman said. "There's some things to still work on. But we're headed in the right direction."

Troy Tulowitzki can say the same thing. The second-year shortstop finished 2-for-2 with a double and a run scored to raise his spring average to .324. He now has three doubles - all off the wall - and a home run in his last two games.

"He's in a good place right now," Hurdle said. "He looks good. Anytime the ball comes off the wall, good things happen. That's the thing we joke about here, he's been playing a little take-me-out-to-the-wall game. That's always a good sign on offense."

Chicago starter Sean Marshall lasted four innings, giving up five hits and two runs.

However, Marshall is all but out of the race for the final spot in the Cubs rotation, leaving the job to either Jason Marquis or Jon Lieber. Marshall will more than likely be pitching out of the bullpen.

Chicago manager Lou Piniella thought Marshall turned in a respectable performance.

"I've been pleased with his work," Piniella said. "He's ready to go. He's there for us right now in a backup role, starting-wise, if necessary."

About the only thing that went wrong for Redman on Friday was the hit he took while covering first base. Daryle Ward, trying to beat out an inning-ending double play in the fourth, crashed into Redman, who stayed down for several minutes, but returned to pitch.

"Usually that outside lineman comes and gets me like that when I was quarterback," said Redman, who played football at Escondido (Calif.) High School. "I don't think he crossed the goal line. I think it was fourth and goal and I stopped him. I really do think I stopped him."

Notes: The Cubs didn't bring players like Aramis Ramirez, Alfonso Soriano and Derrek Lee with them to Hi Corbett. … Rockies 1B Todd Helton had two hits and drove in two runs. … Francis pitched six innings against Triple-A Tucson and gave up two runs on seven hits. … Felix Pie, the opening day starter in center, finished 1-for-4 with a double and a run scored. He's hitting .256 this spring.