The Colorado Rockies over the weekend lost their season opener vs. the Tampa Bay Rays on the road, going 1-2 out of their 3-game stint. Even though the Rockies didn’t get the series win, there are some takeaways from this series I have as a fan.

Game 1

In the 1st game Kyle Freeland made Manager Bud Black look like a smart man for giving him the nod as the Opening Day start for the Rockies. Despite the Rockies losing 3-2, Freeland stood out in this one due to the pitching performance he put on. Boy, was he dealing notching 7 Ks over 6 scoreless innings. Unfortunately, the Rockies bullpen and their offense didn’t hold their end of the bargain in terms of backing up their ace with the performance he had. Rockies bullpen combined to give up 3 runs, after giving up 2 in the 7th and 1 in the 9th which was a HR by left fielder Kameron Misner to seal the deal.

Takeaways- 3 runs given up by the Rockies pitching staff as a whole should have been enough to win this game. The Rockies bats really struggled to produce many runs going an underwhelming 2-10 RISP (runners in scoring position). I do understand this Rockies team does also have to find ways to win the close games and low scoring ones if they do not want to have another 100-loss season.

BOX SCORE STAND OUTS–

Rockies-Ezikiel Tovar 2-4,1 RBI

Rays-Kameron Misner Batting 1-1 ,1HR

Rockies-Kyle Freeland 6 IP,2 H, 0 ER, 7Ks, 0 BB

Game 2

Rockies win game 2 of this series in a low scoring game, 2-1. They prove to be capable of winning the close ones. Now Senzatela received the nod on the bump in this one, but only pitched 4.1 innings and gave up 9 hits and 2 walks before getting relieved.

Luis Peralta received the W after getting two outs in the 5th and striking out 1 batter in relief to Senzatela.

I have to tip my cap to a job well done by the Rockies pitching in this game, allowing only 1 run across in 9 innings. There may be cause for concern potentially with this Rockies offense struggling to produce runs, though it is still very early in the season. The Rockies didn’t have as many opportunities as they did in the 1st game with RISP, but they did manage to go 2-6 with the limited chances they had. Both center fielder Brenton Doyle & 2nd basemen Kyler Farmer were able to produce RBIs, Doyle in the 3rd bringing in right fielder Nick Martini and Farmer scoring home catcher Hunter Goodman in the 7th. Seth Halvorsen was able to seal the deal pitching a perfect 9th inning getting the save while helping the Rockies earn their first win of the season.

Takeaways- As mentioned before, I think if the Rockies want to avoid losing 100 games and take a step forward this season, they need to really find a way to win the close games. They proved just that in this game that they are more than capable of doing so.

Box Score Standouts:

Rays- J.Caminero 3-5,1 RBI

Rockies-Brenton Doyle 1-4, 1 RBI

Rays- Z. Littell 6IP, 1ER, 7Ks, 0 BB, 0 HRs

Game 3

Rockies drop the series with a 6-4 loss to the Rays. Ryan Feltner was the pitcher for the Rockies in this one. Feltner gave up 2 ER, 4 hits, 1 HR, and posted 5 strikeouts (Ks). In this one the Rays jumped out in front immediately with a 2-run shot in the 1st inning by 2nd basemen Brandon Lowe. Rockies would tie the game in the 6th with a single to left scoring Tyler Freeman. Rockies relief pitchers Tyler Kinley and Luis Peralta really struggled in this one, managing to give up a combined 4 runs and 2-ERs, each in the 6th inning. Rockies new addition left fielder Mickey Moniak clobbered a 2-run 405 ft HR in the top of the 7th pinch hitting. You can learn more about the newest Rockie here.

Takeaways- Hunter Goodman needs to be in the Rockies lineup because they can really use his offensive production moving forward. I want some more Moniak. Talk about an introduction! Moniak hitting a HR in a pinch hit situation is a pretty good introduction. I think overall it will take some time and some tinkering with the lineups to really figure what can gel for this Rockies team. The Rockies’ starting rotation in my opinion has been solid, but there is always room for growth. The bullpen continues to be the weakness of this ball club unfortunately.

Rays-Taj Bradley 6IP, 5H, 2ER, 7Ks, 0 BB,

Rays-Brandon Lowe 2B 1-4, 1 HR 2 RBIs

Rockies-Nick Martini 3-4, 1 RBI

Rockies-Micky Moniak -1 HR

The Colorado Rockies take on the Phillies on Monday 3/31 to start another 3-game series. In the 1st matchup German Marquez will take on Christopher Sanchez to start the series on the road for the Rockies.

***Are you interested in sports betting? If so, make sure to use our promo code below where you can get your deposit matched (up to $1000). Use promo code Sportz***

***Have you tried Dubby?? Are you looking for a Pre-Workout??
Our promo code : WeLikeSportz for 10% off!***