The Rockies had an off-day on Thursday after capturing their first series win of the season on Wednesday against the Toronto Blue Jays in a thrilling extra-innings victory. It has been an exciting opening week, filled with competitive games and intriguing storylines. Last year, the Colorado Rockies came into their home opener at 1-5 with a -15 run differential. This year, they arrive at 2-4 with a positive run differential.
Baby steps. Competitive. Fun!
Now the Rockies return home to Coors Field to open
a series against the Philadelphia Phillies (3-3). If they are going to take a step forward in 2026, Coors has to become a place where they win consistently.
Taking the ball for Colorado is Michael Lorenzen, making his second start of the season. In his first outing, Lorenzen battled through 4.1 innings in Miami, allowing three earned runs while throwing 93 pitches. He was hit hard at times but still gave the Rockies a chance in a 4-3 loss. Lorenzen brings a deep pitch mix to the mound, and he has said that the challenge of pitching at Coors Field was a motivating factor in signing with Colorado.
There’s also a bit of history here. Lorenzen was a trade deadline pickup for the Phillies in 2023 and made an immediate impact, most notably tossing a no-hitter in just his second start with the club.
Aaron Nola, also making his second start of the year, will take the mound for Philly. Nola went five innings in his season debut against Texas, allowing three earned runs while striking out seven. Nola has pitched at an ace level in the past, but he is coming off an injury-marred and uneven 2025 (5-10, 6.01 ERA in 17 starts). The 33-year-old works with a five-pitch mix, and while he won’t overpower hitters with velocity, he pairs elite spin with late movement. At his best, Nola thrives on getting hitters to chase and beating them into weak contact.
In the lineups — hot hitting TJ Rumfield (.429/.478/1.097) will be making his Coors Field debut, and Mickey Moniak will make his season debut. Keep an eye on Jake McCarthy, who has quietly had success against Nola in limited exposure — going 6-for-13 (.462) with two home runs, seven RBI, and a 1.693 OPS. It’s a small sample, but enough to make you look twice if he comes up in a big spot.
For Philly, keep an eye on Kyle Schwarber, who has done damage against Lorenzen — hitting .375 with two home runs and a 1.194 OPS in 24 at-bats.
The Phillies and Rockies enter 2026 with dramatically different expectations. Philadelphia brings the star power. Colorado brings the early-season intrigue.
What does the Rockies offense look like at Coors? How does the new pitching approach translate at altitude? What kind of weird, wonderful baseball magic will unfold beneath the Purple Row this summer?
Today is the first of 81 at Coors Field. Time to start finding out.
Now for the details
First pitch: 2:10 p.m. MDT
TV: Rockies.TV
Radio: KOA Rockies Radio Network (850 AM / 94.1 FM)
Follow live: MLB Gameday
SBN Site: The Good Phight
Lineups
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