DENVER (KDVR) — After the Colorado Rockies broke the franchise document for probably the most losses in a single season final 12 months, the crew might solely go in 2024 – however possibly not instantly.
On Thursday, the Rockies kicked off the primary recreation of the season in opposition to the Arizona Diamondbacks, the defending Nationwide League champions.
Fortunately, the sport wasn’t at Coors Area.
The sport was shut when the D-backs hit two runs within the first inning and the Rockies got here again with one run within the second, which ended up being the Rockies’ solely time on the scoreboard for all the recreation.
By the third inning, issues obtained ugly when the D-backs scored 14 runs in a single inning.
The Rockies held the rating for the remainder of the sport, however the crew wasn’t capable of put any extra runs up both, ending in a 16-1 loss and marking a brand new franchise milestone — the Rockies’ worst opening-day recreation in historical past.
Because the crew’s first opening day in 1993, the Rockies have misplaced lower than half of the 31 opening-day video games.
Essentially the most runs a crew has scored on the Rockies on opening day was 12, which coincidentally was additionally from the D-backs in 2014, together with the San Diego Padres in 1999. The Rockies have been a minimum of nearer in runs, tallying two runs in opposition to the D-backs and 10 in opposition to the Padres.
Nonetheless, these weren’t the crew’s worst video games on opening day.
Earlier than Thursday’s recreation, the crew’s worst opening day loss was in 1997 in opposition to the Cincinnati Reds, which resulted in a 13-2 loss for the Rockies, an 11-run distinction.
However the Rockies made greater than only a franchise document.
The sport additionally marked a primary in MLB historical past. The 14 runs have been probably the most in an inning on opening day for any crew since 1900.
Exterior of opening day, solely 4 groups have scored greater than 14 runs in an inning since 1900. The Pink Sox scored 17 in 1953, the Rangers hit 16 in 1996 and the Brooklyn Dodgers scored 15 in 1952.
The expectations for the Rockies weren’t precisely excessive this season.
Sports activities websites like ESPN and FanDuel are predicting one other shedding season – however there’s some hope. Some websites famous that the Rockies may knock out extra wins this season, and the crew gained’t be the worst.
The crew is predicted to be the second worst, in response to FanDuel projections.
The Rockies will catch a break with touring this season and the crew additionally has the benefit of altitude, making it scientifically simpler to hit a house run at Coors Area.
There’s nonetheless the remainder of the season for the Rockies to make a brand new title for itself. The Rockies’ house opener is subsequent Friday going through the Tampa Bay Rays, the place the Rockies get one other likelihood to rebrand this season.
The Related Press contributed to this text.