After a rough series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Colorado Rockies faced continued struggles in their opener against the Philadelphia Phillies, culminating in a disappointing loss. Despite a solid start where the Rockies held the Phillies to just one run through the first six innings, the situation quickly deteriorated, with the Phillies racking up nine runs on 17 hits by the end of the game.
The highlight for Rockies fans was the return of starting shortstop Ezequiel Tovar, who showcased his skills by going 2-for-4 at the plate. Tovar contributed notably by hitting a home run in the first inning, marking his second of the season, and later driving in a run with a single. The Rockies managed to score three runs, with additional contributions coming from Michael Toglia and Brenton Doyle, who produced back-to-back doubles in the sixth.
On the pitching side, Kyle Freeland delivered a commendable performance over 5 1/3 innings, striking out six batters and allowing only one extra-base hit. However, his night ended early due to a high pitch count and an apparent minor issue with his finger, which left him unable to secure what would have been his first win of the 2025 season.
The eighth inning proved particularly challenging for rookie reliever Seth Halvorsen, who allowed a lead to slip away after conceding a leadoff single and ultimately giving up a pivotal home run to Alec Bohm. This shift in momentum marked a decisive turn in the game, enabling the Phillies to surge ahead.
In a notable moment for baseball history, Kyle Schwarber hit his 300th career home run during the game, further extending the Phillies’ lead and adding another highlight to his season of 16 home runs.
Looking ahead, the Rockies are set to face the Phillies again tomorrow night in the second game of their four-game series. Antonio Senzatela will take the mound for Colorado, aiming to turn the tide against the left-handed Jesús Luzardo, with the first pitch scheduled for 6:40 PM MDT.
As the Rockies prepare for the next matchup, fans can find hope in Tovar’s return and Freeland’s strong performance, both of which could be key to the team’s efforts moving forward. The potential for bounce-back performances may reignite optimism for the remainder of the series.