Colorado Rockies game no. 5 thread: Kyle Freeland vs. Zack Wheeler

Can Freeland replicate his Opening Day performance vs. the Phillies?

On Opening Day, Kyle Freeland threw an astonishing six-inning scoreless gem with two hits and seven strikeouts with just 67 pitches, 54 of which were strikes. Freeland told manager Bud Black he was “a little winded,” and he was pulled.

The bullpen went on to give up three runs and the Rockies lost to the Rays 3-2. The reliever downfall has been a trend in all three losses as Colorado has an MLB-worse 10.80 ERA, largely due to the six runs given up in the final two innings after six scoreless innings from Germán Márquez in Monday’s 6-1 loss to the Phillies. The bullpen’s struggles are even worse compared to the starter’s 0.84 ERA. Freeland’s 0.00 is a big part of that.

On Wednesday, the Rockies (1-3) will have Freeland back on the mound against the Phillies (3-1) and two-time All-Star Zack Wheeler (0-0, 1.50). Wheeler also had a great debut in Philadelphia’s 7-3 Opening Day victory over Washington as he only gave up two hits, including one homer with eight strikeouts and two walks in six innings.

Mickey Moniak will be getting the start in left field for the Rockies in place of Jordan Beck. Beck is 2-for-12 so far this season with two walks and two strikeouts. Moniak, who was cut by the Angeles on March and signed by the Rockies two days later. Moniak hit the Rockies first homer of 2025 in his first at-bat with the Rockies on March 30 vs. the Rays.

First Pitch: 4:45 p.m. MDT

TV: Rockies.tv

Radio: KOA 850 AM/94.1 FM; KNRV 1150 (Spanish)

Lineups: