After enduring a dismal 59-103 record in 2023, the Rockies couldn’t have started the 2024 season much worse. Predicted to go 60-102 by oddsmakers, their 7-24 start comes as no shock, yet it marks historic ineptitude for Colorado. The Rockies now hold the record for the most consecutive games trailed to start a season, falling behind in their first 31 games. Surpassing the St. Louis Browns’ 28-game mark set in 1910.
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Holding a 5-0 lead entering the ninth against the lowly Miami Marlins, pitcher Ryan Feltner appeared primed for his first complete-game shutout with just 79 pitches. However, the Marlins rallied, and reliever Justin Lawrence’s collapse led to a heartbreaking 7-6 loss in 10 innings, with Miami not leading until their walk-off single. The Rockies have often been competitive but plagued by close losses.
Of their 24 losses, 11 have come within two runs. Yet, they’ve also endured blowouts, notably a 16-1 Opening Day thrashing by the Arizona Diamondbacks, who scored 14 runs in the third inning, the most in a single inning on Opening Day since 1900. Following a dramatic 10-9 comeback win against the San Diego Padres, they were swept by the struggling Houston Astros in Mexico City. Offensively, the Rockies have faltered, ranking 14th in batting average (.241), 25th in runs scored (113), and 27th in home runs (23), despite playing at hitter-friendly Coors Field.
Their home struggles extend to just 14 homers in 14 games, resulting in a 5-10 home record and a dismal 2-14 on the road. Adding to their woes, they’ve been consistently outscored 37-17 in the first inning. Pitching has been a debacle beyond the first inning, with the Rockies ranking last in team ERA (6.00), WHIP (1.62), and batting average against (.294).
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Closer Justin Lawrence sports a 6.00 ERA with one blown save, while opponents hit .317 against him. The starting rotation boasts a collective 1-15 record. Though the season is young, the Rockies face significant challenges with their pitching and offense, likely heading towards another 100-plus loss season unless a dramatic turnaround occurs. Nonetheless, fans hope for the continued growth of the team’s young talent and farm system as Colorado rebuilds.
