Rockies Wrap Up Homestand with Doubleheader as Struggles Mount Early in 2025 Season

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DENVER — The Colorado Rockies are set to close out their brief three-game homestand today with a doubleheader against the Washington Nationals, aiming to snap a seven-game losing skid that has highlighted a historically poor start to the 2025 season.

The series opener on Saturday was a rollercoaster for the Rockies, who fell 12-11 after trailing 12-2 entering the seventh inning. A furious eight-run rally in the frame — their most runs in a single inning since August 2022 — ultimately fell short. It marked just the third time in franchise history the Rockies have lost a game despite scoring eight runs in an inning. The offensive burst was overshadowed by a team-record-tying 17 strikeouts at Coors Field.

With a 3-16 record through 19 games, Colorado is off to the worst start in franchise history. Their current losing streak is their longest since September 2023, and another defeat today would make it eight straight — a mark not seen since June 2023.

Doubleheader History and a New Look

Today’s twin bill against the Nationals marks the Rockies’ third doubleheader of the young season. Colorado split two games against the Mariners on April 21 but dropped both ends of a July 27 doubleheader in San Francisco. All-time, the club is 67-79 in doubleheaders, with 17 sweeps and 23 times being swept. In the second game today, fans will get a first look at the Rockies' new Nike City Connect uniforms — a bold pullover-style design inspired by the vivid transitions of Colorado’s sunrises and sunsets. The Rockies are the first team to feature a pullover in the City Connect series. They’ll look to find better luck in the new threads, having gone 17-30 in the previous City Connect look from 2022–24.

Coaching Shakeup and Roster Youth

Thursday brought a major change to the Rockies’ coaching staff. Hitting coach Hensley Meulens was relieved of his duties, with former manager Clint Hurdle taking over for the remainder of the season. Hurdle, who led the Rockies to their lone World Series appearance in 2007, had been serving as a special assistant to the GM since 2022.

Hurdle inherits a lineup that has struggled mightily. Colorado has scored just 63 runs this season — tied for second-fewest in the majors — and leads MLB with a 30.2% strikeout rate. A 32-inning scoreless drought earlier this month set a new franchise record.

Despite the woes, youth has been a bright spot. Catcher Braxton Fulford became the third Rockie to make his MLB debut this season, joining pitcher Chase Dollander and outfielder Zac Veen. The team’s six rookies — including INF Adael Amador, RHP Seth Halvorsen, and LHP Luis Peralta — are tied for the most in the majors with three other teams.

Farmer Hot at the Plate

One of the few consistent offensive producers has been veteran infielder Kyle Farmer. Through 18 games, Farmer is hitting .328 with nine doubles — tied for second-most in MLB and the most by a Rockies player this early in a season since Troy Tulowitzki in 2015. Oddly, he has scored just two runs, the fewest of any player with at least 19 hits.

Road Woes Continue

The Rockies’ struggles have been particularly brutal away from home. They’ve dropped 10 straight road games since a March 30 loss in Tampa Bay — their only road win coming the day before. It’s the eighth time in club history they’ve lost 10 or more straight on the road and the worst such stretch since September 2023.

Prospects Shine in the Minors

While the big-league club stumbles, there’s hope on the farm. Double-A Hartford surged into first place in the Eastern League with a 4-2 win over Portland. Left-hander Mason Albright notched his first win of the year, and third baseman Kyle Karros continues to impress, raising his average to .341 with a multi-hit performance. Karros ranks among league leaders in OBP (.481), OPS (1.091), and slugging (.610).

As the Rockies continue to rebuild and retool, today’s doubleheader — and the debut of a fresh look — offers a chance to turn the tide and give fans a glimpse of brighter days ahead.

Washington weekly

 Nationals Stay Hot in Colorado Behind Young Stars and Stellar Pitching The Washington Nationals continue to show they're more than just a rebuilding team. After a thrilling 12–11 win over the Colorado Rockies on Saturday, the Nats are set to wrap up their 10-game road trip with a doubleheader in Denver — a schedule adjustment forced by Friday’s snowstorm. Despite the frigid temperatures and thin mountain air, Washington is finding ways to win and have fun doing it.

Dominance on the Mound

Saturday's game featured a career performance from left-hander MacKenzie Gore, who struck out 13 Rockies over six strong innings. Matching his career high in punchouts, Gore became just the sixth opposing pitcher in history to tally 13 or more strikeouts at hitter-friendly Coors Field. He now leads Major League Baseball in both total strikeouts (45) and strikeouts per nine innings (13.97), setting the tone for what looks like a breakout campaign.

Rookie Mitchell Parker is also turning heads. With a 1.85 ERA — fourth-best in the National League — he’s been a steadying presence in the rotation. Closer Kyle Finnegan, meanwhile, has solidified the back end of the bullpen, sitting tied for second in MLB with seven saves.

Offensive Fireworks

At the plate, it was Dylan Crews who stole the spotlight Saturday, launching two home runs and going 3-for-5 with four RBIs and four runs scored — his first multi-homer game in the majors. He wasn’t alone in the power parade: James Wood and Josh Bell also homered as the Nats powered their way to a one-run win. Wood, just 21 years old, has emerged as one of the most electrifying young sluggers in the National League. He’s tied for the NL lead in homers (7) and ranks eighth in slugging (.573). Wood has gone deep six times in his last 10 games and has been particularly dangerous in colder climates — five of his seven homers this season have come in sub-50-degree weather, where he’s hitting .381.

History on Their Side

Washington has fared well in doubleheaders over the years, going 17–9–38 (sweeps–swept–splits) since baseball returned to the District in 2005. Last year, they posted a 3–1 record in doubleheader games, including a sweep of the Pirates. This resilience has carried into 2025. Despite playing their fifth cold-weather game of the year on Saturday, the Nats improved to 4–1 in such conditions, with the pitching staff collecting 62 strikeouts over 44 innings in those contests.

Consistent Contributors

While the youth movement is making headlines, veterans and role players are also stepping up. Catcher Keibert Ruiz has hit safely in 15 of 18 games and leads all MLB catchers in hits (21). He’s striking out in just 10.8% of his plate appearances and ranks near the top in average (.309), on-base percentage (.365), and OPS (.791) among backstops.

Alex Call has been quietly productive as well. In 13 starts, he’s batting .300 with eight RBIs and 10 walks. Since the start of 2024, Call boasts the second-best batting average (.331) and on-base percentage (.422) in the league among players with at least 100 plate appearances — trailing only Jose Iglesias in both categories.

Homecoming Ahead

After today's twin bill, the Nationals return to the nation's capital for an off day before beginning a six-game homestand against the Baltimore Orioles and New York Mets. With their pitching sharp, the bats alive, and the kids growing up fast, the Nationals are shaping into one of baseball’s most compelling stories early in the 2025 season.