Home Opener: Rockies Welcome Tampa Bay

After a season-opening struggle, the Rockies make their 2024 home debut this weekend, hosting Tampa Bay in a three-game series at Coors Field.

The Rockies went 1-6 in visits to face the Arizona Diamondbacks (1-3) and the Chicago Cubs (0-3). They were outscored by a margin of 42-24.

Can they rebound at home, where they will host Tampa Bay for three games this weekend, and then get a chance to settle the score with Arizona in three games beginning Monday?

Friday’s Pitching Matchup

Rockies LHP Justin Gomber (0-0, 7.71) made his season debut on Sunday against Arizona. He allowed four earned runs in 4 2/3 innings in the Rockies loss.

Rays RHP Zack Littell (1-0, 0.00) is making his second start for Tampa Bay, having working six shutout innings against Toronto last Saturday.

Saturday’s Pitching Matchup

Rockies RHP Ryan Feltner (0-1, 5.40) suffered the loss against the Diamondbacks March 31 in his first start of the season. He allowed five hits, walked two and struck out four in allowing three earned runs in five innings.

Rays RHP Tyler Alexander is coming off a 9-2 loss against Toronto last Sunday, allowing five earned runs on six hits, including two home runs, and two walks, striking out four in five innings.

Sunday’s Pitching Matchup

Rockies RHP Dakota Hudson suffered the 5-0 loss to the Cubs on Monday, allowing four unearned runs in 5 1/3 innings. He gave up four hits and two walks, striking out four.

Rays RHP Ryan Pepiot suffered a 9-3 loss against Texas in his 2024 debut last Monday. He worked 5 2/3 innings, allowing six of the runs with four walks and three strikeouts.

ROCKIES QUICK HITS

— Charlie Blackmon has opened the season on a hot streak, and goes into the weekend hitting .417.

— Ryan McMahon is making his presence felt, as well, hitting .375.

— After Blackmon and McMahon the Rockies lineup has had its struggles. Brenton Doyle ranks third among the regulars with a .250 average.

— Ezequiel Tovar ranks fourth among the regulars with a .208 average.

— The Rockies are 17-14 all-time in the season openers.

— The Rockies claimed a 1-0 win vs. Washington on Opening Day 2023.

— The Rockies have opened the season with temperatures of 48 degrees or lower six times — 27 degrees in 2018, 37 degrees in 2004, 42 degrees in 1995, 44 degrees in 1998 and 48 degrees in 2003 and 2014.

Rockies 2024 Season Opening Roster

  • Right-handed Pitchers (10): Jake Bird, Ryan Feltner, Dakota Hudson, Tyler Kinley, Peter Lambert, Justin Lawrence, Nick Mears, Anthony Molina, Cal Quantrill, Victor Vodnik

  • Left-handed Pitchers (3): Jalen Beeks, Kyle Freeland, Austin Gomber

  • Catchers (2): Elias Díaz, Jacob Stallings

  • Infielders (5): Ryan McMahon, Elehuris Montero, Brendan Rodgers, Ezequiel Tovar, Alan Trejo

  • Outfielders (4): Charlie Blackmon, Jake Cave, Brenton Doyle, Nolan Jones

  • Infielder/Outfielder (2): Kris Bryant, Michael Toglia

  • 15-Day Injured List (2): RHP Daniel Bard, LHP Lucas Gilbreath

  • 60-Day Injured List (2): RHP Germán Márquez, RHP Antonio Senzatela

Tracy RingolsbyComment