The Rockies had no chance against the Mariners on Saturday night at cold Coors Field.
This was due to Luis Castillo's impressive pitching for seven innings and sloppy errors by Elehuris Montero, Sean Bouchard, and Brenton Doyle in Colorado’s defense.
Seattle beat the Rockies 7-0, marking their sixth straight loss. This was the fourth time this season that the Rockies were shut out, and their 4-16 record is the worst start in franchise history. In comparison, the 1962 Mets had a similarly bad record in their first season.
Castillo pitched seven innings without allowing any runs, achieving nine strikeouts and giving up only two hits, one by Elias Diaz and a fluke single by Bouchard. Bouchard's hit was lost in a flurry of snowflakes after being caught by second baseman Jorge Polanco.
Castillo continued his impressive performance against the Rockies, extending his scoreless streak to 14 innings. He had a similar impressive game last season against the Rockies.
Rockies starter Dakota Hudson didn't have the best luck, as he issued five walks in four-plus innings, giving up four runs on six hits.
The Rockies had a disastrous fourth inning, sealing the game for Seattle.
Seattle's four-run fifth inning began with a walk drawn by Cal Raleigh off Hudson, who was then replaced by Victor Vodnik. This led to back-to-back singles, loading the bases for Seattle.
Bouchard's error allowed three runs to score, and although Clase almost got a homer, he was thrown out at the plate.
Raleigh had a career-high four hits and contributed to Seattle's early lead. Montero’s error also helped Seattle extend their lead.
Sunday’s pitching matchups
Game 1: Mariners RHP George Kirby (2-2, 6.64 ERA) at Rockies RHP Cal Quantrill (0-2, 5.57)
Game 2: Mariners RHP Emerson Hancock (1-2, 7.98) at Rockies RHP Peter Lambert (2-0, 2.31)
1:10 p.m. and 6:10 p.m. Sunday, Coors Field
TV: Rockies.TV (streaming); Comcast/Xfinity (channel 1262); DirecTV (683); Spectrum (130, 445, 305, 435 or 445, depending on region).
Radio: 850 AM/94.1 FM
Quantrill is coming off a solid start at Philadelphia, where he allowed one run on four hits and two walks with one strikeout over six innings. It was his second quality start and the first time he allowed three or fewer runs this season. He has struggled at Coors Field in the past with a 6.20 ERA in six games.
Kirby has only played against Colorado once in his career and managed to win. He allowed two runs in 6 1/3 innings. He has never pitched at Coors Field. Last Monday, he got a win over Cincinnati by allowing two runs on five hits and no walks while striking out six in six innings.
Lambert is set to make his first start this season, taking the place of left-hander Kyle Freeland in the rotation. Freeland was placed on the 15-day injured list Friday with a left elbow strain. Lambert was dependable as Colorado’s long reliever. He has never faced Seattle.
Hancock is going up against the Rockies for the first time. In his last start, Hancock was defeated by the Cubs but only gave up two runs on four hits over six innings. He didn't issue any walks and struck out four during his first quality start of the season. It was a big improvement over his previous game against Milwaukee when he gave up eight runs over 3 1/3 innings.
Pitching probables
Monday: Padres RHP Dylan Cease (2-1, 1.99) at Rockies LHP Austin Gomber (0-1, 4.95), 6:40 p.m.
Tuesday: Padres RHP Michael King (2-1, 3.33) at Rockies RHP Ryan Feltner (1-2, 5.06), 6:40 p.m.
