The Colorado Rockies are struggling profoundly this season, continuing a dismal streak that has garnered unwanted historical attention. After their recent loss to the New York Mets, where they fell 5-3, the Rockies extended their losing streak to eight games. This defeat marked Colorado’s fourth eight-game losing streak of the season, which leaves fans wondering how long this slump will last.
As of this writing, the Rockies boast a woeful 9-50 record, making them the worst-performing team through the first 59 games of any Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise in the modern era, which dates back to 1901. Their struggles don’t end there. Colorado has faced the indignity of being swept ten times in just 20 series this year—tying them for the most sweeps through 20 series along with the infamous 1962 Mets, the 1970 Milwaukee Brewers, and the 1994 Athletics.
In a grim comparison, only two teams in MLB history have reached 50 losses in fewer games than the Rockies’ current pace. They are the 1884 Kansas City Unions and the 1876 Cincinnati Red Stockings, both of which hit the 50-loss mark in just 57 games. What makes the situation even more peculiar is that the Rockies could soon become only the second team ever to reach 50 losses while still seeking their tenth victory.
In the aftermath of the latest loss, catcher Jacob Stallings spoke candidly about the team’s struggles. He mentioned, “You can either fight or not fight. I don’t think not fighting is going to work. We have a really good group of guys in this locker room. We have been playing a lot better baseball. We just haven’t been able to get over that hump.” His words reflect both frustration and resilience in a challenging season.
The Rockies did manage to score first on Sunday, thanks to a solo home run from Orlando Arcia in the first inning. However, any hopes of turning the tide were dashed when Mets’ Pete Alonso hit a three-run home run in the fourth inning. While the Rockies fought back to tie the game in the fifth with a two-run shot from Tyler Freeman, Francisco Lindor quickly retaliated with a solo home run, securing the game’s fate. Following that moment, the Rockies’ offense went silent, failing to score for the remainder of the game.
To emphasize the depth of their struggles, the Rockies have been unable to hold leads consistently. They’ve fallen to a disheartening 4-13 when they score first this season, joining the Chicago White Sox as the only teams with a sub-.500 record in such situations. Historically, the 1962 Mets hold the record for the worst performance in such scenarios, ending their season at 23-50.
As the Rockies approach their record, they find themselves in unfamiliar territory, registering a staggering 19 consecutive series losses. Their inadequacies don’t simply stem from bad luck; they have been outscored by an astonishing 185 runs so far. This marks a shocking trend that extends back to 2024, where the Rockies have now lost an MLB-record 22 consecutive series.
On the other hand, the Mets are riding a wave of success, having won seven of their last eight games. They finished their homestand with a 7-2 record, regaining sole possession of first place in the National League East, a feat Colorado fans can only dream of at this point.
Mets pitcher Clay Holmes, who contributed significantly to his team’s recent victories, had a strong showing against the Rockies. He gave up only three hits and struck out three batters while walking none. With a solid performance in the six innings he pitched, Holmes has emerged as a reliable arm for the Mets this season.
As for the Rockies, the losses keep stacking up, and their plight shows no signs of abating. Their struggles on the road have been particularly disheartening—they’ve become the first team in the modern era of MLB to lose 28 of their first 31 road games.
The upcoming series against the Miami Marlins will be crucial for the Rockies. As they seek win number ten, the team has an opportunity to shake off the negative momentum and start building toward something more respectable. It will take a concerted effort across all aspects of the game to see any significant change.
In conclusion, the Colorado Rockies are undoubtedly making headlines for all the wrong reasons this season, as they stand on the brink of setting more unwanted records. The team’s resilience, as mentioned by Stallings, will be tested in the coming days. Every inning, every game, and every series will matter as the Rockies attempt to redefine their season and shed their current status as the league’s worst team. As fans watch from the stands, there’s hope that the tenacity shown in the locker room can ultimately translate into tangible success on the field in the days to come.
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