[MLB] Rockies Routed in Home Opener as Lorenzen Struggles Early

Bellozo shines in relief, allows one run in five innings

(Denver = Won Jeong) The Colorado Rockies suffered a tough loss in their 2026 MLB home opener.

On April 3 at Coors Field, the Rockies hosted Philadelphia but fell behind early after a disastrous first inning.

Starter Michael Lorenzen ran into trouble immediately, allowing a double followed by two consecutive walks. With the bases loaded, cleanup hitter Alec Bohm drove a low outside slider into right-center field for a two-run single, bringing home runners from third and second.

For Colorado fans, the first inning felt especially long.

Lorenzen then gave up a line drive down the third-base line to Bryson Stott, allowing Bryce Harper to score from third. The damage didn’t stop there. Batting seventh, Brandon Marsh turned on an inside sinker and launched a three-run home run over the right-center field wall, quickly extending the lead to 6–0. At that moment, the Rockies’ home opener was effectively out of reach.

Colorado continued to struggle, allowing additional hits before the inning ended with a 7–0 deficit.

Philadelphia added to its lead with one run in both the second and third innings, stretching the margin further.

In the fourth inning, Rockies manager Sheffer showed some tactical awareness.

Mickey Moniak reached base with a hit, followed by another single from Ezequiel Tovar to put runners on first and second. With Castro at the plate, Colorado executed a surprise bunt, allowing Moniak to score from third and cut the deficit to one run. However, the score had already ballooned to 9–1, leaving a significant gap.

Lorenzen was replaced at the start of the fourth inning by Bellozo after allowing nine runs.

Philadelphia starter Aaron Nola delivered a strong performance, pitching 6.1 innings with 95 pitches, recording nine strikeouts while allowing five hits, one walk, and just one run.

Coming in for Lorenzen, Bellozo stabilized the game. After allowing one run in the fifth inning, he held Philadelphia scoreless through the ninth, delivering an impressive relief outing.

Following their lone run in the fourth, the Rockies’ offense fell silent. Neither team scored after the fifth inning, and the game ended in a 10–1 victory for Philadelphia.

A crowd of approximately 48,000 fans filled Coors Field to witness the Rockies’ home opener.