When the Colorado Rockies (7-17) strolled into Ohio on Monday, things weren't looking great. After taking the lead early, they were able to exhale a bit, beating the Cleveland Guardians (11-12) 6-0. These teams played each other in 2022, and the Guardians swept the Rockies in Denver. If Colorado can earn a sweep here, it would be some sweet revenge. Game two is scheduled to start at 6:10 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, once again in Progressive Field.
Cold temps
Hot start pic.twitter.com/HMh0l9PKr7— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) April 24, 2023
A first-inning home run from Jurickson Profar got the party started. A four-run fourth inning by the Rockies was the highlight of the night, as they earned a much-needed win. Austin Gomber also deserves a ton of praise for throwing 5.0 shutout innings on the road. The victory pushed Colorado to 4-10 as the visiting team.
Colorado entered this series 25th in total runs scored and only putting up 3.7 per game. Getting hits hasn't been an issue, but walks and home runs have been rare for the Rockies. They only came into this series with two stolen bases paired with two caught stealings. Their strikeout rate was 23rd before Monday. The offense has been a struggle, even with Kris Bryant and Charlie Blackmon batting well. Their crooked number on Monday was long overdue.
Four spot in the 4th ?? pic.twitter.com/gVR0SMb07q
— Colorado R ockies (@Rockies) April 24, 2023
With a chance to take the series, Colorado will trust Ryan Feltner with the ball. Feltner's first three starts of the season were ugly, but he bounced back in Philadelphia on Thursday. That night he tossed 5.2 innings without allowing a run, earning his first win of the season. His ERA this season is 6.16, which matches his career 6.16 ERA through 26 big league games. His unusually high BB/9 of 4.0 has led to a career FIP exceeding 5.00.
Colorado's relievers were 23rd in ERA but 11th in WAR entering this series. Their pen is 13th in HR/9, 11th in K/9, and 25th in BB/9. The Rockies' bullpen is also eighth in groundball percentage. There's a lot to like about Colorado's relievers, outside of walking batters, and the ERA should drop soon to match.