Rays 3, Rockies 2: Walked-Off on Opening Day

The Rockies fell apart late to drop their first game of the 2025 season.

Just 161 games to go, right? The Colorado Rockies lost their season opener to the Tampa Bay Rays in a spring training/minor league ballpark. Kyle Freeland spun a fantastic six innings of work, but the Rockies’ offense couldn’t overcome the Rays’ pitching and the Rockies’ bullpen couldn’t overcome the Rays’ hitters.

Quality Kyle

Left-handed pitcher Kyle Freeland made his fourth Opening Day start for the Rockies, becoming the first pitcher in franchise history to do so. Freeland looked sharp to kick off the season. He worked six scoreless frames and gave up just two hits to Rays batters while striking out seven. He had strong command of his arsenal and worked the zone for 53 strikes on 67 pitches. His sinker consistently hit between 92 and 93 MPH, consistent with his velocity from the end of last season.

Freeland set down his first ten batters in order before giving up the first hit of the game—a single deflected by third baseman Ryan McMahon. He also worked through some traffic in the fifth after a throwing error and a single put a runner in scoring position.

The Rockies Bullpen Special

With Freeland leaving the game after only 67 pitches due to an abundance of caution, right-handed reliever Tyler Kinley entered the game. The Rockies then saw their two run lead quickly evaporate. Kinley struggled to locate his pitches, and when he did locate the strike zone he got punished for it. Credited with the first blown save of the season, Kinley threw 14 pitches and only six were strikes. He walked a batter and gave up two earned runs on three hits. He only recorded one out.

Angel Chivilli was able to stop the bleeding, but not before allowing an inherited runner to score on a single from the first batter he faced. He recorded the next two outs—despite nearly hitting a batter—to end the seventh inning.

Young late-inning man Victor Vodnik put together a dandy of an eighth inning by setting down the side in order. He ended the frame with a punchout against Junior Caminero. Unfortunately, Bud Black inexplicably sent Vodnik back out for a second inning of work. The game ended in just one pitch when left fielder Cameron Misner demolished a first-pitch fastball in on the hands for a no-doubt, walk-off home run. It was the rookie’s first career home run.

Strikeouts at Steinbrenner

In a continuing trend from seasons prior, strikeouts continue to be an issue for the Rockies. They drew just three walks—and had one hit batter—while striking out 12 times against the Rays pitching staff. It was a particularly rough day at the office for both Brenton Doyle and Michael Toglia—both of whom struck out three times—and Nick Martini struck out twice.

The Positives

Ezequiel Tovar, Ryan McMahon, and Hunter Goodman all turned in strong Opening Day performances this afternoon. Ryan McMahon was the obvious MVP, going 3-for-3 with a double and drawing one walk. He was one of just two Rockies hitters to not strike out. The other hitter was Hunter Goodman. The starting catcher went 2-for-4 with a double. Tovar also went 2-for-4 with a double that plated the Rockies’ first run of the day.

Coming Up Next

The Rockies will be back in action tomorrow afternoon for the second game of the series against the Rays. Right-handed pitcher Antonio Senzatela will start for the Rockies after a very solid spring training showing. Zack Littell will toe the rubber for the Rays. First pitch will be at 2:10 PM MDT.