1

Senzatela solid after shaky start

By Thomas Harding / MLB.com | @harding_at_mlb | April 6th, 2017

MILWAUKEE -- Rockies rookie Antonio Senzatela celebrated an eventful but successful big league debut Thursday

afternoon with a call to his wife, Vanessa Garcia, in Venezuela.

He smiled when recalling what he said: "I'm a big leaguer now."

After his rise as a touted prospect in the Rockies' system -- one who pitched well enough this spring to make the rotation,

despite having just seven Double-A starts last season -- his performance in the Rockies' 2-1 victory over the Brewers

offered examples of why the team always thought he would be one.

Senzatela, 22, escaped the bases loaded in the first inning by forcing a Domingo Santana double-play grounder,

overcame accidentally hitting the Brewers' Keon Broxton in the face with a 92.6 mph fastball in the second and ultimately

struck out six in five scoreless innings.

Not one given to showing emotion, Senzatela understandably fist-pumped after inducing the double play on a 96.8 mph

fastball.

"I tell pitchers all the time there are going to be stress points during the game, even in good games … a point in that game

where there are runners on, less than a couple outs, and you've got to work out of it," Rockies manager Bud Black said.

"Today, for him, it was in the first inning -- which is not ideal, in your Major League debut.

MEDIA CLIPS – April 7, 2017

2

"But he made a pitch to Santana to get the double play, which is great. DJ LeMahieu and Trevor Story turned it

magnificently. I think that let him exhale."

After the one-out hits in the first -- an Eric Thames single and Jesus Aguilar double that found grass -- Senzatela dealt

with just three baserunners. One was Travis Shaw on a walk before the double play. He mixed fastballs of varying speeds

-- anywhere from the 91-92 range to near 97 -- with sliders and changeups that produced fly balls and otherwise weak

contact.

"He's super-calm," said third baseman Nolan Arenado, whose ninth-inning home run won the game. "It looked like he's

been out there a couple times already. He laid a couple great bunts, he competed."

It took all of Senzatela's composure to overcome hitting Broxton with a 2-2 pitch that simply slipped. It seemed to tick off

the cheek/jaw extension -- known as a "C-flap" on Broxton's batting helmet.

"I felt bad when I hit him in the face," Senzatela said. "I said, 'Bad pitch. I don't want that.' But it's the game. It's hard but I

just said I need to finish my game here, then see.

"I already talked to him. He told me he's OK. He's fine."

Broxton was diagnosed with a slight nasal fracture and took stitches, but officially is listed as day to day and not ticketed

for the disabled list. Thank you, C-flap.

"The crazy thing about it is I was thinking about taking it off a couple days ago, too, and then this happens," Broxton said.

Through it all, Senzatela stayed cool.

"I throw like that -- quiet, no big emotions," Senzatela said.

3

Late Arenado HR lifts Rockies over Brewers

By Adam McCalvy and Thomas Harding / MLB.com | April 6th, 2017

MILWAUKEE -- Nolan Arenado told reporters on Thursday morning he felt OK, but added, "I know there's a better feeling

in there that I'm looking for." He found that feeling in the ninth inning.

Arenado homered off an 0-2 pitch from Brewers closer Neftali Feliz leading off the ninth for a 2-1 Rockies win at Miller

Park, giving Rockies rookie starter Antonio Senzatela something else to celebrate in the wake of Senzatela's scoreless

Major League debut.

"I saw him [Feliz] last year with the Pirates, but he's throwing a lot harder than he did then," said Arenado, who doubled in

his only other plate appearance against Feliz. "I tried to shorten up with two strikes. I didn't crush it or anything. He

produced the power."

Statcast™ supports Arenado. Feliz's fastball was clocked at 97 mph. Exit speed off Arenado's bat -- which sent the

sphere into the Brewers' bullpen -- was 98.

It was the first homer of the season for Arenado, who tied the Brewers' Chris Carter for the National League home run

crown last year with 41. Arenado also tied the Nationals' Bryce Harper for the 2015 home run title with 42.

Arenado said he "just missed" on his first at-bat, a fly ball to deep center. But he kept searching.

"Early in the year, there's going to be some tension until you get rolling, until you get your hits, until you get your homer,"

Rockies manager Bud Black said.

"He was trying to go up. It was up. That's where Neftali pitches," Brewers manager Craig Counsell said. "It's Arenado. You

hate to get beat on 0-2. I don't think it was a terrible pitch, he just put a good swing on it. Not much different really than the

swing [Ryan] Braun puts on the last ball of the game."

4

Braun, appearing as a pinch-hitter, flew out to deep right field to finish the Rockies' series victory, three games to one.

Senzatela did not allow a Brewers hit after the first inning and did not allow a run in any of his five innings of work, and

former Brewer Mark Reynolds capped a torrid series with a third-inning solo home run off Milwaukee starter Chase

Anderson. Reynolds went 7-for-14 with five extra-base hits in the four games, helping the Rockies overcome relatively

quiet starts for the top third of their lineup. Charlie Blackmon, DJ LeMahieu and Carlos Gonzalez were a combined 5-for-

47.

"Maybe the series of his life?" Anderson said of Reynolds, whose Milwaukee tenure preceded Anderson's. "That was

good. Solid. Very consistent each day. I thought I made a pretty decent pitch, and when he gets the barrel on the bat, it's

going to go a long way.

"That's a pretty good team. Very balanced. Guys with a lot of power from top to bottom. That's a tough lineup to navigate."

Kirk Nieuwenhuis homered for the Brewers after Anderson delivered Milwaukee's first quality start of the season, working

six innings and allowing one run on three hits including the Reynolds homer.

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED

First-inning escape: Senzatela was tested with one out in the first when Eric Thames singled and Jesus Aguilar doubled

-- both on hits to the left-field corner with Gerardo Parra positioned far off the line. But Senzatela responded with a 96.8-

mph fastball on a 2-2 count that forced Domingo Santana to ground into a double play. Senzatela threw five scoreless

innings, with six strikeouts against two hits and three walks.

Senzatela K's six in MLB debut

Senzatela K's six in MLB debut

Antonio Senzatela allows only two hits and three walks with six strikeouts over five strong innings in his Major League

debut

Senzatela became the third pitcher in Rockies history to yield two or fewer hits when starting his Major League debut.

Juan Acevedo gave up one in five innings on April 30, 1995 at Houston, and Drew Pomeranz yielded two hits in five

innings against the Reds on Sept. 11, 2011, at Coors Field.

5

Lift off for Captain Kirk: The Brewers went hitless after Aguilar's double until the seventh, when Nieuwenhuis, a second-

inning replacement for Keon Broxton who was hit in the head by a pitch, hammered a one-out home run to right-center

field off Adam Ottavino that tied the game at 1-1. Nieuwenhuis can't quite explain why he has so much success hitting at

Miller Park, but the numbers are stark: Last season, he hit .290 with 11 home runs and 31 RBIs in 169 at-bats at home,

versus .127 with two homers and 13 RBIs in 166 at-bats on the road.

"I thought we swung the bats pretty well today, especially early in the game," said Counsell. "We had some good at-bats

and hit some balls hard but right at people."

QUOTABLE

"That's part of it. You just have to keep a positive mind and move forward." -- Feliz, on the ups and downs of life as a

closer. He'd recorded his first Brewers save, and No. 100 of his career, the night before.

SOUND SMART WITH YOUR FRIENDS

Arenado loves Miller Park. He has hit safely in all 10 games there, and composed a .436 average (17-for-39) with five

doubles, four home runs, 11 RBIs and four walks.

UPON REVIEW

Not so fast, Parra. Leading off the seventh, a pitch from Brewers reliever Jacob Barnes bounced just by Parra's right foot.

Possibly feeling a vibration, possibly applying gamesmanship, Parra dropped his bat and headed to first base. But home-

plate umpire Alan Porter didn't think the pitch hit him and conferred with his partners. Bud Black issued a challenge but

after a 1-minute, 11-second review, Porter's call of a ball was confirmed. Parra went on to strike out.

BREWERS' BROXTON EXITS

6

Broxton, a budding talent for Milwaukee, walked off the field under his own power in the second inning after being struck

in the face by a Senzatela fastball. Broxton suffered a small nasal fracture and needed stitches, but is day to day. He was

fortunate to be wearing a batting helmet fitted with a face guard.

"That C-flap, man, that thing just saved my life," Broxton said. More >

WHAT'S NEXT

Rockies: The Rockies will celebrate their 25th home opener -- the 23rd at Coors Field -- with a Denver native on the

mound. Lefty Kyle Freeland, who went to Thomas Jefferson High School and was selected in the first round out of the

University of Evansville -- starts against the Dodgers and Hyun-Jin Ryu on Friday at 2:10 p.m. MT.

Brewers: Miller Park will be packed on Friday for a 7:10 p.m. CT weekend series opener between the Brewers and the

world champion Cubs, who have yet to debut at home and should draw a healthy dose of fans for these three games.

Jimmy Nelson starts for Milwaukee against Chicago newcomer Brett Anderson, a lefty.

7

Reynolds spearheads offense in series win

Veteran hit .467 with two homers as Rockies won three of four games

By Thomas Harding / MLB.com | @harding_at_mlb | April 6th, 2017

MILWAUKEE -- Spring Training was long -- some players say too long -- because of the World Baseball Classic. But the

extra time helped Rockies first baseman Mark Reynolds.

Signed to a Minor League contract during the offseason, Reynolds knew he'd receive some playing time because of

teammates participating in the Classic. He ended up with more when first baseman Ian Desmond suffered a fractured left

hand March 12.

Sharp after 55 Cactus League at-bats, Reynolds provided much of the offense as the Rockies took three of four from the

Brewers in the season-opening series at Miller Park. Reynolds homered in the third inning of Thursday's 2-1 victory, and

went 7-for-15 with two homers, six RBIs and two walks.

"I wasn't expecting to come in and start, obviously," said Reynolds, whose homer off Chase Anderson led off the third.

"Unfortunately, Desmond got hurt. When that happened, it got me a lot of ABs later in the spring. Those consistent at-

bats, knowing I was going to be starting. It really helped my confidence.

"My first at-bat was a homer. That helped out a lot, too."

It was a rough series for the top of the batting order. Charlie Blackmon, DJ LeMahieu and Carlos Gonzalez went a

combined 5-for-47. Cleanup man Nolan Arenado was 5-for-14 but struggled -- although Thursday's ninth-inning, game-

winning homer off Neftali Feliz was a positive move foward.

So Reynolds -- along with Gerardo Parra, who was 6-for-15 -- was important for the Rockies' success.

"For Mark to give us a little bit of a jump-start was great," Rockies manager Bud Black said. "We couldn't follow up."

Reynolds also helped defensively Thursday. After Kirk Nieuwenhuis tied the game at 1 with a homer off Adam Ottavino in

the seventh, Reynolds dove to his right to spear Jett Bandy's liner.

8

"When you're younger, you're all about the flash, whatever," said Reynolds, 33. "Being in the big leagues, I'm to the point

where I want to win games. Grinding things out and getting back to the playoffs, there's nothing like it. I think we've got the

squad to do it."

9

Black wants Rockies aggressive on bases

By Thomas Harding / MLB.com | @harding_at_mlb | April 6th, 2017

MILWAUKEE -- It's not that Rockies manager Bud Black loves outs on the bases. It's that he likes the attitude that

sometimes leads to them.

Through three games going into Thursday the Rockies led the Majors in outs on the bases with four, and were tied with

many for tops in runners caught stealing with two. Oh, yeah. There was a pickoff.

But it becomes a true problem only if the Rockies become afraid of outs. Big leads, bigger secondary leads, the

willingness to steal, the insistence on the extra base are all positives in Black's philosophy. That's because the thought

process goes well beyond the occasional out.

"If you get thrown out, you look at that one moment: A guy got thrown out," Black said. "But you don't know how it affects

the next inning, the next few innings, the next day or the next series when teams are scouting you. It creates a culture, it

creates a feeling."

Black believes the Rockies have players to be aggressive on the bases, with the ball in play as well as on steal attempts.

Charlie Blackmon and Gerardo Parra have been base-stealing threats, and Ian Desmond (currently out with a fractured

left hand) has that history. DJ LeMahieu was one of baseball's most efficient runners two seasons ago. Trevor Story has

speed that he's looking to use on the bases more often.

But Black said, "I think any is able to do that, if the mindset is right. It helps if you have team speed."

The aggressiveness on the bases, Black said, is important at Coors Field, especially with the ball in play. With outfielders

having to cover a lot of ground, there are more opportunities. And Black said it's not wise to play one way at home and

another on the road, so the Rockies will push.

10

The first three games with the Brewers saw each team have two runners erased at the plate. In both cases, the runner

was going from second to home. The Rockies have lost two at third base -- one a regrettable read by Mark Reynolds, the

other when Parra tried for third on his three-run double -- but partly it was to attract a throw and make sure the last of the

three runners scored.

This philosophy stems from his time as pitching coach with manager Mike Scioscia and the Angels. When they won the

2002 World Series, they finished tied for ninth in the Majors with 44 outs on the bases, and tied for third with 23 outs at the

plate.

"Even my years in Anaheim, we got thrown out probably more than anybody, other coaches and managers had to be

aware of the Angels because we ran the bases," Black said. "But we made up for it with probably more extra bases,

stolen bases. It creates pressure points on the opposition."

11

Freeland to debut in Rox home opener vs. LA

By Thomas Harding / MLB.com | April 6th, 2017

The Rockies' home opener, Friday against the Dodgers, is notable for the Major League debut of Denver native and lefty

starting pitcher Kyle Freeland. But it's special even for a guy who has been around, like third baseman Nolan Arenado.

When Freeland takes the mound against the Dodgers and left-hander Hyun-Jin Ryu, it'll be the culmination of a day of

activity and pageantry in Denver's Lower Downtown (LoDo) District. Even from the field, Arenado says it's more than just

another game.

"You appreciate seeing how many people are there -- it's a packed house Opening Day," Arenado said. "The rest of the

year, we get good crowds but there's nothing like Opening Day. It's a special day. I'm looking forward to it."

Ryu dealt with a groin injury during Spring Training, but proved healthy enough to win the Dodgers' fifth rotation spot. Ryu

arrives with nice memories of Coors. He held the Rockies to two runs, three hits and a walk while fanning six for the

decision in a 6-1 victory in his only start at Coors -- June 16, 2014.

Not many Dodgers recollections for Freeland, of course. The one time he faced them was his first Spring Training outing

this year, when he yielded four hits and three earned runs. It included a home run by prospect Henry Ramos. But after

that game, Freeland gave up just one run in his next five outings while earning a rotation spot.

Three things to know:

• It'll be the first home opener for new Rockies manager Bud Black, although he'll have some familiarity from the other

side. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was Black's bench coach with the Padres and took over when Black was dismissed

on June 16. Also, Dodgers slugging first baseman Adrian Gonzalez played for Black and the Padres from 2006-10. Black

will be happy to have a game at his new home park.

12

"We're all excited to get home," Black said. "Spring Training was, obviously with the [World Baseball Classic], a little bit

longer. Anytime you get back in your hometown and your ballpark, it feels good. We're all anxiously awaiting getting back

to Colorado."

• Looking for a rebound season, Yasiel Puig crushed a pair of huge home runs off San Diego's Jered Weaver on

Thursday. He set a personal Statcast Era record with a 110.9-mph exit velocity on a 415-foot shot and belted the other at

106.6 mph -- also among his six hardest-hit homers since 2015.

• Arenado hit .294 with five home runs and a .392 OBP against the Dodgers last season, but much of that damage came

at home -- 13-for-31, .419.

"I need to get better, I know that, but credit to them," Arenado said. "They know how to pitch and know how to compete.

They do a lot of things right. Hopefully we can disturb that a little bit."

Of his swing during the Brewers' series, Arenado said, "I feel OK, but I know there's a better feeling in there that I'm

looking for."

13

Freeland fulfills dream of playing for Rockies

Young pitcher went to games as kid, excited about debut

By Thomas Harding / MLB.com | @harding_at_mlb | April 6th, 2017 + 0 COMMENTS

MILWAUKEE -- Some lucky child -- maybe too young for school or maybe with parents who will back a story of being too

"ill" for school -- will take that walk to Coors Field on Friday afternoon for the home opener against the Dodgers.

Just one hand will be available for mom or dad to hold. The other will be stuffed in a baseball glove.

The youngster will have a dream. Kyle Freeland, who was that little boy years ago, will see his come true.

Freeland's parents, Don, who works at a Home Depot, and Susan, the secretary at Denver's Holm Elementary (where

Freeland went to school), never let him skip school, so at first, he barely remembered his first opener.

But when the memories came back, they flooded.

"My mom used to work for Xcel Energy, and they had a lot, so we'd park in that lot and walk about eight blocks or so to

the field," said Freeland, 23, the Rockies' top pick in 2014. "I remember that walk. As you get closer, you see people

selling peanuts. Then you get to the stadium and everybody's crowding, trying to get in.

"I wasn't. I brought my glove when I came, but I was never throwing the ball around. I was hoping a fly ball would come

into my section and I would catch it. I never even came close. It never came to me."

Freeland cheered for the home team, glove in hand. But one night his desire for a baseball hit from the field took over.

"I remember one game we were sitting out in left field and we were playing the Cubs," Freeland said, smiling. "Sammy

Sosa was there. He was having a crazy night. They were killing us. He had a homer to right, had a homer to center. Right

before his third at-bat, they pulled him from the game while I was thinking, 'He has to hit one to left.'"

14

Any affection Freeland had for any team but the Rockies disappeared during the emotional moment in his living room

when he was selected eighth overall by the Rockies. It was captured on MLB Network.

"I think I was so excited that the hometown team drafted me," he said. "But I'm sure afterwards I thought of it like, 'Man, I

can't wait to be able to make my debut with them and enjoy that experience.'"

Of course, Freeland hopes no one in any part of the stands catches a home run hit by a Dodger. The idea is to continue

the control he displayed in Spring Training, when he went 2-2 with a 3.48 ERA with 19 strikeouts in 20 2/3 innings.

It's been a hectic few days since Sunday, when manager Bud Black made his starting assignment official. But Freeland

has handled the well-wishing without letting it disturb his preparation. He made sure his brother, Colin, and his wife, who

live in Florida, had a plane ticket, and he made sure those who supported him were on his ticket list. Beyond that,

Freeland made sure he wasn't pulled in many directions by well-meaning folks.

Besides, the dream goes beyond Friday, when he will become the 17th player and the 13th pitcher to reach the Majors

from the 2014 Draft.

"I'm definitely going to soak in that first day," Freeland said. "But my goal is definitely to stick, have a long, fulfilling career

and have a ton of success."

15

Rockies’ home opener is a bona fide holiday in Colorado — but why?

Rockies opening day in Denver is a party with an open invitation, a holiday of sunshine and patios and baseball-

bonded hope

By NICK GROKE | ngroke@denverpost.com | The Denver Post | UPDATED: April 7, 2017 at 6:55 am

Editor’s note: First of a season-long series on the 25th year of Major League Baseball in Denver.

In 1989, a young Denver brewery owner with a hole-in-the-wall bar on skid row desperately tried to dredge up business to

a forgotten part of Lower Downtown. He collected 3,200 petitions to keep trains running through Union Station. He lobbied

to move an amusement park to an old rail yard. None of it worked.

“The more things that get people down here, especially in the daytime, the better for all of us,” he said at the time. Turns

out, what downtown needed was baseball.

People arrived, eventually. The city just had to grow up. Major League Baseball yanked Denver up by the bootstraps.

Rockies opening day in Denver is a party with an open invitation, a holiday of sunshine and patios and baseball-bonded

hope. And for one fleeting spring day, the city comes together to celebrate as if baseball matters and its team might

actually be a contender.

“Opening day is a rite of spring. One year is ending, another one is starting,” said John Hickenlooper, that bar owner who

became Denver’s mayor and now is Colorado’s governor. “Most people use New Year’s. But opening day, you just stop,

you appreciate a new year. And hope springs eternal.”

In the 25 years since the Rockies first dropped into Denver with a bang at old Mile High Stadium and 23 years after the

opening of Coors Field, opening day seemingly grows bigger by the year. As the city has boomed into a high-tech hub

and people in large numbers moved back into the urban corridor for the first time since before World War II, an odd fusion

of elements turned opening day into Denver’s Mardi Gras.

“I’ve seen the craziness when I’ve been driving to the field,” said Rockies all-star third baseman Nolan Arenado. “People

are out already and it’s early. Then after the game you are driving downtown, and people are still out going crazy.”

16

The Rockies don’t have enough earned history to be called “lovable losers,” but few cities blow out opening day as big as

Denver.

It’s a party on par with fans at Wrigley Field on the North Side of Chicago or Fenway Park around the corner from

Boylston Street in Boston. Except in those cities, their teams have history on their side, having been in existence more

than 100 years. And their teams, losers for long stretches, are recently on a roll. The Cubs are the defending World Series

champions; the Red Sox won a title just four years ago. And their fan bases are multigenerational.

The Rockies are a millennial team with no division titles and just one brief trip to the World Series — being swept in four

games by Boston — nearly a decade ago.

“I think we’re a baseball town,” Hickenlooper said. The governor’s rise to the state’s top office started as owner of the

Wynkoop Brewing Company in Lower Downtown, before the Rockies existed. As the team grew, so did Denver.

Hickenlooper, like the city itself, rode the wave.

“Many of the classic baseball towns had terrible histories of winning,” he said. “Look at the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley until

last year. The Boston Red Sox. Those are classic baseball towns with teams that couldn’t win. That would be my

suggestion: Soon, it will be the Rockies’ turn.”

Helping remake the city

How baseball’s opening day in Denver bloomed into a citywide bash ties together how the city itself stepped into the 21st

century.

Well into the 1990s, the Lower Downtown area of Denver was a skid row of empty warehouses and lost causes. The 15th

Street viaduct, part of a series of elevated streets that spanned from the west side of the Platte River to upper downtown,

bridged over an area of supply railroads the city tried not to see. Denver tore down that viaduct in 1990, one year before

Colorado was awarded an expansion franchise in Major League Baseball.

Baseball’s history in the city spanned back to its roots as a dusty cowtown, when the minor-league Denver Bears first

formed in 1886 in the original Western League. The Bears were the first tenants of Mile High Stadium in 1948, when it

was built on an old landfill with a large grandstand.

17

Some 45 years later, opening day exploded over Denver. The Rockies in 1993 drew 80,227 fans to Mile High. Eric

Young’s leadoff home run for the Rockies was like a flare gun. The Rockies’ home openers have been sold out ever

since.

Even the construction of Coors Field, which debuted in 1995, didn’t shake LoDo from its past. In a three-month span near

the end of the 1999 season, seven homeless men were killed in a string of murders around downtown. Two men were

beheaded in a weed-strewn empty lot behind Union Station. That area now bustles as a transportation hub to the suburbs

and airport.

Joel Watkins wheeled his hot dog cart to the corner of 20th and Wynkoop streets for the first time more than 20 years ago,

in the early days of Coors Field. Police used to line up drunken fans in the gutter next to his hot dogs and send them away

to a detox tank one by one.

“Back when I first started, LoDo wasn’t a place you felt safe walking around after dark,” he said. “But the area I’m in has

changed every year. It’s just amazing to me how much the place has grown and that’s evident every opening day.”

Patio season has begun

The big leagues’ arrival in the Rocky Mountains paralleled Denver’s rise among major American cities. In the 24 years

since Eric Young’s home run helped the Rockies defeat the Montreal Expos on opening day at Mile High, the city’s

population has grown by more than 45 percent, according to U.S. Census estimates, to about 683,000.

As baseball drew the city out of its past, opening day drags it out of winter hibernation. The Rockies might be incidental,

but the baseball season signifies the start of patio season in Denver, a ceremonial starter’s gun to start partying.

Jackon’s sports bar in LoDo sees its revenue spike 75 percent on opening day, according to its manager, Jessi

Jorgensen. The Falling Rock Tap House, a half block from Coors Field, pours about 1,000 beers on any given game day.

They sell nearly 4,000 pints on opening day.

“St. Patrick’s Day is the opening salvo of the end of winter, and then we really get geared up for this,” said Chris Black,

Falling Rock’s owner. “It’s just a positive, fun day in downtown with lots of kids and families and people are out to have a

good time. Everybody’s happy and, of course, the Rockies are still in the running.”

18

From their birth, the Rockies pushed opening day as a celebration. Keli McGregor, a front-office executive and eventual

president of the Rockies, emphasized the importance of the season opener. That evolved into a handshake deal with

Major League Baseball: Every year, the Rockies lobby to begin their schedule on the road, when the season starts on the

first Monday in April. That leaves the Rockies with their home opener on the following Friday, when weekend sales spike,

and hopefully, the sun shines.

“It’s a ‘must see’ anymore,” said Rockies owner Dick Monfort. “It’s a big deal for people in Denver.”

Rockies seasons are always a race against a deadline, a drive to remain relevant in the standings before Broncos training

camp starts in July. Baseball in early April is a sweet spot, the Colorado solstice exactly halfway between the end of one

NFL season and the start of another.

“I’ve been fortunate to be a part of some special opening days in baseball in infectious cities,” said Clint Hurdle, the

Rockies’ longest-lasting manager, from 2002-09. “Opening day in Denver will always hold a special place in my heart. It

was the event that annually reignited the love affair of a football town with its baseball team.”

Staff members Kyle Newman, Patrick Saunders and Molly Hughes contributed to this report.

Mile-high five

Friday marks the 25th home opener in Rockies history. Here is a look back at the top five openers:

No. 5 — One shining moment. The Rockies spent big in the offseason and pitcher Mike Hampton was showcased on

April 2, 2001 in an 8-0 victory over St. Louis. The $120 million man dominated in his Rockies debut, throwing 8 ⅓ innings

of shutout ball against the Cardinals, scattering five hits and striking out five. It was the high point of the season, and of

Hampton’s rocky Rockies career.

No. 4 — Blackmon’s perfect day. On April 4, 2014, center fielder Charlie Blackmon got his first opening-day start in

LoDo and he had a field day, going 6-for-6 in the leadoff spot, belting one homer, three doubles and driving in five runs in

Colorado’s 12-2 rout of Arizona.

No. 3 — Barmes walks it off. On April 4, 2005, rookie shortstop Clint Barmes hit a two-run, walk-off homer against San

Diego closer Trevor Hoffman in Colorado’s 12-10 victory at Coors Field.

19

No. 2 — Coors Field christening: On April 26, 1995, Dante Bichette launched a three-run homer in the fourteenth inning

on a cold, blustery day to beat the New York Mets, 11-9, in the first game at 20th and Blake.

No. 1 — Mile High Magic. On April 9, 1993, in the first home at-bat in franchise history, Eric Young hit a home run in front

of a record crowd of 80,227 at Mile High Stadium and the Rockies went on the beat Montreal 11-4.

— Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post

20

Rockies’ Kyle Freeland is homegrown pitching prodigy, ready for big-league debut

Those who know Freeland best say that composure will serve him well Friday when 50,000 fans pack Coors Field

By PATRICK SAUNDERS | psaunders@denverpost.com | The Denver Post | UPDATED: April 6, 2017 at 5:54 pm

The sky was spitting snow when Tory Humphrey’s Thomas Jefferson Spartans squared off against Denver East on a gray

and blustery Colorado spring day in 2009. East was threatening to rip away TJ’s stranglehold on the city baseball title.

“That was a big deal for us, keeping that title,” said Humphrey, now the coach at Eaglecrest. “I needed a pitcher that day,

but I couldn’t use any of our seniors.”

Left with few options, he put left-hander Kyle Freeland on the mound.

“He went out there and diced them up,” Humphrey said. “Kyle was about 140 pounds soaking wet, but it was one of the

best games I’ve ever seen from a sophomore. Kyle was the best competitor I’ve ever coached, and I’ve coached a lot of

great kids.”

Eight years and a 20-minute drive up the road from that breakout moment at All-City Field, the eighth overall pick in the

2014 draft will be tested again. Friday afternoon at Coors Field — where he participated in pregame youth baseball

parades when he was a tyke — Freeland will make his major-league debut in the Rockies’ home opener against the Los

Angeles Dodgers.

“My emotions are going to be running high, but for me it’s going to be staying focused on the task at hand,’’ said Freeland,

23. “I think I can do that. I pride myself on being able to do my job.”

The announcement that Freeland would be the starting pitcher for the Rockies in their home opener sent friends and

former teammates scrambling for tickets. Humphrey’s Eaglecrest players will be at Coors Field too.

And, of course, members of Freeland’s family will be in attendance — including his father, Don, his mother, Susan, and

his older brother, Colin.

21

“It’s tough to put into words how excited we all are,” Colin Freeland said from his home in Florida. “We are over the moon,

to say the least. We had a lot of faith in Kyle, and we knew he was eventually going to get here. And the fact that he’s

getting the opportunity at the home opener in his hometown is the cherry on top.”

The brothers grew up on a Hampden Heights cul-de-sac in southeast Denver. Their dad, a Denver native who starred in

baseball and soccer at John F. Kennedy High School in the late 1970s, was instrumental in the boys’ love of baseball.

Don Freeland would come home from work at a printing company and play hours of catch with his sons, or take them to

Hampden Heights Park and hit grounders and popups to them.

“My dad always made baseball fun for us. … It was a blast,” Kyle Freeland said. “My dad never forced us, he just

encouraged us in whatever we did.”

Freeland played basketball and golf too; he qualified for the state golf tournament three times. But baseball was always

his passion.

Thomas Jefferson Spartans pitcher Kyle Freeland went all seven innings Wednesday. The Thomas Jefferson High School

boy's baseball team blanked Lincoln, 5-0, on April 6, 2011.Denver Post fileThomas Jefferson Spartans pitcher Kyle

Freeland went all seven innings Wednesday. The Thomas Jefferson High School boy’s baseball team blanked Lincoln, 5-

0, on April 6, 2011.

“When he was a kid, he would take his baseball glove to bed with him. … He was that kind of kid. He loved baseball that

much, wanted to be around it all the time,” Freeland’s dad said with a chuckle. “But Kyle has always had this fire in his

belly, even as a kid, and I think that’s why he’s where he is now.”

Freeland began showing his baseball talent when he was about 10 years old. He held his own with his brother and his

brother’s friends, who were 3 years older. Soon he was playing on traveling teams. By the time Freeland was a junior at

Thomas Jefferson, it was clear to those in the know in Colorado baseball that he was something special. As as senior, he

drew national attention while setting a state record with 145 strikeouts. He posted an 8-2 record and had a 1.39 ERA. He

also hit .631, including six home runs, in 19 games.

22

“He was as dominant as any player I’ve seen at any level,” said Robby Bales, who coached Freeland during his senior

season at TJ. “Some of the calls (from scouts) I was getting about Kyle that senior year were about him as an outfielder.

The Mariners liked him as an outfielder because he could hit for power and average.”

Just days after graduating from TJ, Freeland was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies. Even though he was a 35th-round

pick, he was offered a signing bonus usually offered to a 10th-round pick ($250,000, plus a guarantee to pay for his

college education). Suddenly, he was staring at his first, major adult decision. He had already signed to play at the

University of Evansville in Indiana.

“I was stressed out, didn’t know what to do, and they were throwing a ton of money at me,” Freeland said of the Phillies at

the time.

Added Colin: “Man, that was kind of a holy-cow moment for the whole family. It kind of blew my mind. That’s when it hit

me how good my brother really was.”

Freeland decided to stick with his commitment to Evansville, and it turned out to be the right decision. As a college junior,

he turned into a 190-pound strikeout machine, going 10-2 with a 1.90 ERA, 128 strikeouts and only 11 walks. When the

Rockies drafted him No. 8 overall that year, cheers and tears flowed in the Freeland home.

Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Kyle Freeland ...John Leyba, The Denver PostColorado Rockies starting pitcher Kyle

Freeland (73) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Salt River Fields on Feb. 28, 2017 in

Scottsdale, Ariz.

He steadily moved up the minor-league chain, and hoped to get a late call-up to the Rockies last September. That didn’t

happen, only stoking his motivation to make the big-league roster this spring.

Those who know Freeland best say that composure will serve him well Friday when 50,000 fans pack Coors Field.

“He doesn’t allow a lot of distractions to creep in,” his big brother said. “He’s always been that way. It kind of sets him

apart.”

23

Colorado Rockies prospects: Mixed bag for top prospects in season openers

Jeff Hoffman and Ryan Castellani were Opening Day starters for their respective affiliates.

By Jordan Freemyer Apr 7, 2017, 8:00am MDT / Purple Row

Three Colorado Rockies affiliates opened their seasons on Thursday, with the Albuquerque Isotopes and Lancaster

JetHawks opening at home while the Hartford Yard Goats opened on the road in Richmond. The Asheville Tourists had

their home opener rained out against the Hagerstown Suns.

In Albuquerque, Jeff Hoffman got the Opening Day start for the Isotopes against the Salt Lake Bees, and Purple Row’s

Cameron Goeldner was at Isotopes Park and had this to say about the No. 2 PuRP:

Jeff Hoffman made his season debut last night in Albuquerque, Going 5 innings while allowing 6 hits, giving up four runs,

walking two and striking out six. It was a solid outing for the righty, who pitched better than his line indicates. A three-run

third for the Bees was built mostly through bloopers and balls that punched their way through the infield.

Hoffman threw 82 pitches, 56 for strikes and was backed up by an offensive effort that included a two-run home run from

Jordan Patterson and a two-run double by Raimel Tapia.

Right-hander Ryan Castellani made his Double-A debut against the Flying Squirrels in Richmond and had a bit of a rough

time.

Castellani pitched six innings, allowing eight hits and nine runs, though just four were earned, but he did not issue a walk

while striking out eight. He threw 84 pitches, 62 of them for strikes.

Game Recaps:

Triple-A: Albuquerque Isotopes 7, Salt Lake Bees 4

Raimel Tapia (No. 4 PuRP): 2-for-4, 2B, R, 2 RBI, BB

Jordan Patterson (No. 13 PuRP): 1-for-4, HR, 2 RBI

Jeff Hoffman (No. 2 PuRP): 5 IP, 6 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 5 K

24

Chris Rusin (MLB rehab): 2 2⁄3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K

Double-A: Richmond Flying Squirrels 11, Hartford Yard Goats 1

Ryan McMahon (No. 7 PuRP): 1-for-4

Dom Nunez (No. 14 PuRP): 0-for-2, BB

Ryan Castellani (No. 9 PuRP): 6 IP, 8 H, 9 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 8 K

High-A: Lancaster JetHawks 13, Visalia Rawhide 2

Garrett Hampson (No. 22 PuRP): 3-for-5, 2 R, 1 RBI

Forrest Wall (No. 15 PuRP): 3-for-5, 2B, HR, 3 R, 4 RBI

Brendan Rodgers (No. 1 PuRP): DNP

Low-A: Asheville Tourists at Hagerstown Suns (postponed)

25

FanPost Friday: Best/Worst case scenarios for the 2017 Rockies

Or, Giving You Permission to Overreact to Small Sample Sizes

By Adam Peterson Apr 7, 2017, 7:00am MDT / Pruple Row

Congratulations to everyone for making to another baseball season. Wasn’t that great watching games this week? Aren’t

you excited for the home opener later this afternoon? It’s sure swell to have Rockies baseball back.

One of the symptoms of getting baseball back is we, as fans, tend to overreact to things, both in positive and negative

ways. Usually you see the caveat of “SMALL SAMPLE SIZES!!!!!1!!” trotted out about this time. But sometimes that’s

decidedly less fun. This week for FanPost Friday, we want you to suppress the SSS twitch and speculate wildly.

What is the best (or worst) case scenario for the 2017 Colorado Rockies?

You answer to this question can be based solely off the results in Milwaukee, or you can extrapolate from spring training

stats, or you can take a realistic approach (if you must). The important thing here is to paint the picture for us of what this

utopia/hellscape will look like and how will we get there. Don’t just say “Everybody gets hurt and we lose 152 games,” or

“Everybody becomes Mike Trout/Clayton Kershaw and we win 152 games.” Flesh it out for us; it’s more fun for everybody

that way.

Don’t feel like you have to get too fantastic here, either; realistic best/worst case scenarios will be fun and interesting.

What happens if Jeff Hoffman reaches his potential? What if David Dahl never makes it to 100%? If Charlie Blackmon and

DJ LeMahieu reach or exceed their career-best 2016 levels, where will the Rockies be?

So let free your inner eternal optimist/fatalistic pessimist/grounded realist (or both!). Write up a FanPost and include “FPF”

in the title. Next week, once we’ve completed a full 6.7% of the season, we’ll recap these flights of fancy/dread/realism

Start your FanPost today!

26

Freeland fulfills dream of playing for Rockies

Young pitcher went to games as kid, excited about debut

By Thomas Harding / MLB.com | @harding_at_mlb | April 6th, 2017

MILWAUKEE -- Some lucky child -- maybe too young for school or maybe with parents who will back a story of being too

"ill" for school -- will take that walk to Coors Field on Friday afternoon for the home opener against the Dodgers.

Just one hand will be available for mom or dad to hold. The other will be stuffed in a baseball glove.

The youngster will have a dream. Kyle Freeland, who was that little boy years ago, will see his come true.

Freeland's parents, Don, who works at a Home Depot, and Susan, the secretary at Denver's Holm Elementary (where

Freeland went to school), never let him skip school, so at first, he barely remembered his first opener.

But when the memories came back, they flooded.

"My mom used to work for Xcel Energy, and they had a lot, so we'd park in that lot and walk about eight blocks or so to

the field," said Freeland, 23, the Rockies' top pick in 2014. "I remember that walk. As you get closer, you see people

selling peanuts. Then you get to the stadium and everybody's crowding, trying to get in.

"I wasn't. I brought my glove when I came, but I was never throwing the ball around. I was hoping a fly ball would come

into my section and I would catch it. I never even came close. It never came to me."

Freeland cheered for the home team, glove in hand. But one night his desire for a baseball hit from the field took over.

"I remember one game we were sitting out in left field and we were playing the Cubs," Freeland said, smiling. "Sammy

Sosa was there. He was having a crazy night. They were killing us. He had a homer to right, had a homer to center. Right

before his third at-bat, they pulled him from the game while I was thinking, 'He has to hit one to left.'"

Any affection Freeland had for any team but the Rockies disappeared during the emotional moment in his living room

when he was selected eighth overall by the Rockies. It was captured on MLB Network.

27

"I think I was so excited that the hometown team drafted me," he said. "But I'm sure afterwards I thought of it like, 'Man, I

can't wait to be able to make my debut with them and enjoy that experience.'"

Of course, Freeland hopes no one in any part of the stands catches a home run hit by a Dodger. The idea is to continue

the control he displayed in Spring Training, when he went 2-2 with a 3.48 ERA with 19 strikeouts in 20 2/3 innings.

It's been a hectic few days since Sunday, when manager Bud Black made his starting assignment official. But Freeland

has handled the well-wishing without letting it disturb his preparation. He made sure his brother, Colin, and his wife, who

live in Florida, had a plane ticket, and he made sure those who supported him were on his ticket list. Beyond that,

Freeland made sure he wasn't pulled in many directions by well-meaning folks.

Besides, the dream goes beyond Friday, when he will become the 17th player and the 13th pitcher to reach the Majors

from the 2014 Draft.

"I'm definitely going to soak in that first day," Freeland said. "But my goal is definitely to stick, have a long, fulfilling career

and have a ton of success."

28

Colorado Rockies: 4 Must-See Defensive Plays to Open the 2017 Season

By Kevin Henry – April 7, 2017 / Rox Pile

When most people think about the Colorado Rockies, they think about altitude, Coors Field and a high-powered

offense. That’s all well and good … but there’s always plenty of defense to go around as well.

In the first series of the season against the Milwaukee Brewers, the Colorado Rockies certainly flashed some leather and

made some pretty amazing defensive stops and plays. In this article, we’re going to take a look at four of them.

Let’s start in the infield where Nolan Arenado just keeps doing things that only Nolan Arenado can do. If you ever

wondered how Nolan has captured four consecutive Gold Glove awards at third base, these two plays will give you a

pretty good idea.

In the season opener on Monday afternoon, Greg Holland had entered the game to try to pick up his first save as a

Colorado Rockies. He would get the save, thanks in part to a pretty nifty double play started by Arenado.

Colorado Rockies ✔ @Rockies

How about THIS for a game-ending double play!?#RockiesEveryday

It wouldn’t take him long to be up to his tricks again the next day. In the first inning, Arenado shows great instincts to

smother a smash from Ryan Braun to end the frame.

The infield wasn’t the only place where the Rockies were taking care of business in Milwaukee. Check out these great two

plays from outfielders Charlie Blackmon and Carlos Gonzalez on the next page.

While Nolan Arenado was making some highlight reel plays on the infield, Charlie Blackmon made sure to remind

everyone that he can track down a ball in the outfield.

Blackmon has transformed himself into one of Major League Baseball’s premier leadoff hitters, but there’s much more to

the bearded wonder than just a bat and some speed on the bases. He’s also one of the best center fielders in the game.

29

He flashed his skills in the sixth inning of Monday’s season opener in Milwaukee. For his efforts, he earned a tip of the cap

from Colorado reliever Carlos Estevez.

If you want to know why Carlos Gonzalez is usually in the conversation for Gold Glove awards, all you need to do is watch

the play below.

Early in Wednesday’s game, the Brewers had a chance to take an early lead against Tyler Chatwood. CarGo, however,

made sure that Milwaukee stayed off the scoreboard. Make a shoestring catch? Sure. Nail the runner at the plate with a

laser-like throw? You bet.

Colorado Rockies ✔ @Rockies

He didn't touch the plate.

It’s early in the season, but if the series in Milwaukee has been any indication, it’s shaping up to be another year of

defensive highlights for the Rockies.

30

Colorado Rockies win tight one against Brewers, 2-1, thanks to late heroics from Nolan Arenado

Colorado’s superstar came through when they needed him most.

By Hayden Kane Apr 6, 2017, 3:23pm MDT

Through not quite four games of the season, the Rockies were still looking for the strength of their team to show up. In a

low-scoring game on Thursday that the team needed in order to win their opening series, the heart of the lineup finally

came through. Well, at least one of them did.

Nolan Arenado hit a home run in the top of the ninth of a tie game, and the Rockies held on for a 2-1 victory over the

Brewers.

The other source of offense was once again veteran Mark Reynolds, who hit a solo home run of his own earlier in the

game. The team would love to see the rest of the offense catch up, but for now they will take the boost from Reynolds as

they scratched out this series win.

On the pitching side of things, Antonio Senzatela sparkled in his big league debut. He threw five innings of shutout

baseball, struck out six and walked three on 93 pitches before handing things over to the bullpen. Senzatela really gave

the team a boost in his first start above Double-A and a game where the Rockies badly needed a solid outing.

The young righty then handed things to the bullpen, and they did good work once again. Bud Black gave us notice before

the season that he likes to have set roles for guys in the bullpen, and what seems to be his working formula came through

once again in the series finale.

The steady work of Carlos Estevez has been as hopeful a development as any thus far, as he worked another clean

inning despite issuing a free pass. Adam Ottavino followed in the seventh and had the only hiccup of the day,

surrendering a solo home run to Kirk Nieuwenhuis. Mike Dunn and Greg Holland kept up their impressive work in the final

two innings to close things out. If they keep this up, we might actually let ourselves believe that this team’s bullpen can be

a strength.

31

Not to be overlooked is the continued stinginess of the Brewers’ pitching staff, as they once again baffled what is

supposed to be a stout Rockies’ lineup. Chase Anderson delivered six solid innings with just the one run given up, and the

rest of the bullpen held up until the decisive final inning.

All of that good pitching set the stage for Arenado. Leading off the top of the ninth inning, he got on top of Neftali Feliz’s

high-and-tight fastball and drove it out to left center field. It was a star moment from a star player, and it swung this series

the Rockies’ way.

The Rockies won this series despite that it didn’t necessarily always look the way we thought it would. Their ability to find

ways to win ugly games against a bad team can be just as heartening as dominant victories, especially on the road. This

felt like a series this team was supposed to win, and despite some bumpy starting pitching and punchless offense, they

found a way to do just that.

After gutting out this series win, the team heads home for their opening series at Coors Field this weekend against the Los

Angeles Dodgers.

32

NL West report for Friday

A look ahead at the NL West

By Eric Garcia McKinley - Apr 7, 2017, 9:00am MDT / Purple Row

Welcome to the first NL West report of the 2017 season. Here, we’ll take a peek at the other, less important, teams in the

NL West. It’ll give a weekly snapshot of how well the important team is doing. The important team is the Colorado

Rockies. This is a Rockies blog.

The Rockies were the only team in the division to begin the year against an out of division foe. The Padres and Dodgers

played four games in Los Angeles, and the Giants an Diamondbacks played four in Arizona. So each of those eight other

division games was a simultaneous plus and minus for the Rockies.

The Padres this week: 1-3

The Padres might not be good this year, folks. While the rotation appears to be the major culprit, there was only one

stinker. It came on Opening Day and courtesy of Jhoulys Chacin, old friend. He allowed nine runs in 31⁄3 innings, and the

Padres ultimately lost 14-3. Clayton Richard and Trevor Cahill did have nice outings in games two and three. In particular,

Richard pitched eight scoreless innings in the Padres’ sole win of the series. In the final game, Jared Weaver tossed five

innings and allowed two home runs. Outfielder/catcher/relief pitcher Christian Bethancourt had a terrible outing, walking

four batters and allowing three runs in just 1⁄3 of an inning.

In all, the Padres pitching woes were on full display in their first series, and they also show up in the teams record thus far.

The Dodgers this week: 3-1

The Dodgers took three out of four against the Padres and outscored them by 17 runs. Kershaw was Kershaw in his start.

He struck out more than a batter an inning and walked exactly zero batters per frame. But the star of the series was Yasiel

Puig. In four starts, Puig hit .417/.563/1.250 with three home runs. They were hit with authority, too:

Devan Fink ✔ @DevanFink

Yasiel Puig with his now MLB-leading 3rd home run of the season. A bullet.

33

2:17 PM - 6 Apr 2017

Puig’s playing time has been down the past couple of years, and he hasn’t come close to matching his spectacular 2013

debut. He probably won’t do that in 2017 either. But if the Dodgers get a healthier and more productive Puig in their

lineup, it’ll deepen their already strong lineup.

The Giants this week: 1-3

The Giants’ pitching staff had a rough week, allowing 26 runs in four games against hte Diamondbacks. Both Madison

Bumgarner and Jeff Samardzija lived up to their expectations, but they do have different expectations. Bumgarner struck

out 11 in seven innings and also knocked two home runs in the first game of the season. The Giants’ bullpen, also living

down to 2016 expectations, lost it in extra innings though. Mark Melancon took the L, but he’ll probably still be alright.

Samardzija did his thing by striking out nine batters in 51⁄3 innings but also allowing three home runs in those same

innings.

Johnny Cueto also had trouble with homers in his game against the Diamondbacks. He allowed two in his five innings in

the game that would end up being the Giants’ only win of the series.

The Diamondbacks this week: 3-1

Baseball is a game of debit and credit, and the Giants’ pitching troubles referenced just above were a credit to the

Diamondbacks’ offense, which showed up in a big way in the team’s first series of the season. A.J. Pollock reminded

everyone just how significant of a player he is. And he did that by reminding how good he really is. Pollock had eight hits

in 20 plate appearances, and half of those hits went for extra bases—three doubles and a dinger. Paul Goldschmidt and

Jake Lamb each knocked two home runs in the opening series.

A good start from Taijuan Walker, a decent one from Zack Greinke, and a not great for him start based on his track record

from Patrick Corbin all serve to highlight that the Diamondbacks are another team to pay attention to in the NL West.

Standings, as of 4/7

Team Record GB Run diff

34

Dodgers 3-1 -- 17

Diamdonbacks 3-1 -- 5

Rockies 3-1 -- -1

Giants 1-3 2 -5

Padres 1-3 2 -17

The week ahead

After the Dodgers play three with the Rockies this weekend, they head east to face the Cubs for a three game set for an

early season matchup of what are considered the top teams in the National League. The Giants finish their road trip

ringing in the Padres near year with a three game series in San Diego before hosting the Diamondbacks for their own

home opener. After the Padres are done with the Giants, they’ll come visit Coors Field on Monday. Before the Dbacks

face the Giants, they start their season with some interleague action with their first home series of the year against the

American League pennant-defending Cleveland Indians.

35

Colorado Rockies, Kyle Freeland Ready for 2017 Coors Field Debut

By Kevin Henry – April 7, 2017 / Rox Pile

A baseball journey that began in the Denver little leagues will continue its evolution for Kyle Freeland on Friday at Coors

Field when he takes the mound for the Colorado Rockies in their home opener.

Freeland will make his Major League debut for the Rockies against the Los Angeles Dodgers, a team many pick to be the

favorite to win the National League West. An Opening Day start against a tough division rival? It doesn’t seem to faze the

23-year-old southpaw.

“Doesn’t matter if it’s Double-A, rookie ball, Single-A or your debut, you got to go out there and think it’s just another game

and execute your pitches,” Freeland said on a conference call with Denver media.

For a Denver native who grew up going to games at Coors Field, Freeland has plenty of memories of the ballpark. This

will, however, be Freeland’s first experience with Opening Day in LoDo.

“No opening days,” Freeland said. “We went to a lot of games as I was growing up. I remember parking downtown with

my family and walking to the games. The sights, the smells, the sounds of walking into the stadium. You get to the

concourse and you walk out and you see the field and you think it’s the biggest thing you’ve ever seen in your life. Those

are the memories that really stick with me.”

Freeland will be the second Rockies rookie to make his Major League debut on consecutive days to start the 2017

campaign. Joining Antonio Senzatela in the rotation, Colorado’s rotation is one of the youngest (and least experienced) in

the Majors at 24.8 years old.

But MLB experience be damned, Friday is about Freeland and a hometown feel-good story. Drafted eighth overall in the

2014 draft, it’s been a quick ascension for Freeland, who knows that, yes, pitching at Coors Field is different in the eyes of

many. However, he’s breaking it down into its simplest form.

“I’ve actually had the same thought with it [altitude] growing up in Colorado,” Freeland said. “You still have to execute

pitches. You still have to get the ball on the ground and get outs. I think if you have that mentality [while] pitching at Coors

36

Field, you’re going to have success, but I think people get away from it where sometimes they get a little scared or timid in

the fact that the ball flies a little bit there. You still have to go out there every day and execute pitches down in the zone.”

Freeland has been learning while he’s been in Milwaukee with the team, watching Jon Gray, Tyler Anderson and Tyler

Chatwood prepare for their starts. He’s been taking notes on the team’s “veteran pitchers” and their routines.

“I’ve been soaking everything in, as much as I can,” Freeland said. “I’ve been asking questions and learning the ropes. It’s

been fun. Learning these things in this atmosphere is something not a lot of people get to do.”

Preparation or not, stepping on the mound on Friday with a sellout crowd at Coors Field will bring emotions. Freeland has

already had time to get through the first wave of emotions when he heard he made the team and was getting the Friday

start.

“I just kind of smiled and was extremely happy,” Freeland said about when he was told he would start Colorado’s home

opener. “It’s something that’s very rare and doesn’t happen very often in this game. It was a ton of emotions hearing that I

would be in the home opener for my hometown.

“It’s a rare opportunity to have and I’m very grateful for it. The emotions haven’t really started hitting too big yet but I’m

sure Friday they’ll hit hard. It’s a cool thing to be able to do.”

37

Colorado Rockies: MLB The Show 17 Season Simulation

By James Keating – April 6, 2017 / Rox Pile

The Colorado Rockies are experts’ “sleeper” team to make a playoff push this season. A season simulation of San Diego

Studio’s ‘MLB The Show 17‘, theorizes that this Rockies club can make a run.

Rockies Training Facility; MLB The Show simulation.

The latest installment of MLB The Show is a must have for any baseball fan that enjoys occasional (or frequent) gaming.

Our friends over at App Trigger provide an excellent review of the game; they give the game a 8/10. Here is summary of

their review.

MLB The Show 17 takes smart, calculated approaches to improving its gameplay while expanding the Road to the Show

Mode with its addition of an ongoing narrative. In an attempt to solidify an excellent baseball simulation experience, one

with more control over minute details in all available gameplay modes, the development team builds upon a solid base.

While this year’s edition is worth picking up no matter how long it’s been since your last copy, without expanding

gameplay options, the series risks becoming the same old, year in and out.

The Show’s portrayal of the Rockies is spot on. Rosters are updated frequently (although it’s not reflective of the current

25-man roster as of yet). Additionally, the aesthetics of Coors Field are amazing. Everything from the fantastic Rooftop

venue, to the raised fences in right-center are accounted for.

If you read the simulation Rox Pile ran last year, we had a gripe with the Rockies uniforms. In past editions of the game,

the Rockies black and silver tops featured purple sleeves. As you’re aware, the Rockies use black sleeves, but due to

licensing guidelines (speculation) the game got it wrong. This is not the case this year and this Show enthusiast is

rejoicing!

Now on to the simulation. As for methodology, we kept it simple. We started a new season in Franchise mode and

downloaded the game’s most current live rosters. As a general note, the roster is not 100% accurate. For instance, the

game currently has Jeff Hoffman in the starting rotation.

38

Also, long-term injuries are not taken into account. For example, Chad Bettis is still in the rotation, and oddly, there is no

Greg Holland on the roster. Despite the temptation, no changes were made to the roster. We then set all game-play

options to “Auto,” pressed the “Sim Season” option and let it do its thing. The results were positive.

The NL West was an intense four horse race. The Los Angeles Dodgers came out on top with 104 wins. The Rockies

finished third with 84 wins, trailing Arizona by two games, and beating out the Giants, who had 81 wins. Unfortunately, the

84 wins was not good enough for the club to seize a Wild Card spot. App Trigger did a sim of their own. It did not go well

for the Rockies.

In our sim, Nolan Arenado carried the club, leading the league with 45 homers and 121 RBIs. As you can imagine, offense

wasn’t an issue. At season’s end, the Rockies ranked first in team speed, second in team defense, but only 24th in team

pitching.

Tyler Chatwood anchored the staff with 12 wins, doing so with an ERA above 4.00. Wunderkind Jon Gray went 9-5 with a

3.83 ERA. Surprisingly, it was Carlos Estevez who led the entire staff with 2.50 ERA. Jeff Hoffman stayed in the rotation

all season, but finished with a nasty 6.00+ ERA.

The offense was anchored by Charlie Blackmon, who had a another career year, hitting .327 with 28 long balls. Not

trailing far behind was DJ LeMahieu who hit .350 and an astounding 20 home runs. Carlos Gonzalez, David Dahl, and

Trevor Story all had 20+ homers as well. Predictably, Story struck out 221 times on the year. Awards wise, Chuck Nazty,

DJ, and Nolan made the All-Star Game and won Silver Sluggers. Lastly, you can see Colorado’s top rated players on the

game here.

In the end, the game was pretty high on the Colorado Rockies offense, but doesn’t see a big leap forward for the pitching

staff. Keep in mind, Greg Holland was not on the roster for some reason. Notably, the simulation was par the course with

84 wins. Most season projections have the Rockies around 80 wins.

If you have MLB The Show 17, give the simulation a shot and see what you can come up with and let us know. If

franchise mode isn’t your jam, there are a lot of features that make The Show worth your leisure. Until next year, Happy

gaming!

39

HIGHLIGHTS: Senzatela shines, Arenado delivers in opening series finale

By MHS Staff - April 6, 2017 / Mile High Sports

Antonio Senzatela had never even pitched in a Triple-A game prior to his MLB debut on Thursday against the Milwaukee

Brewers, but the 22-year-old showed no sign of nerves in a nail-biting Rockies victory. Senzatela worked five scoreless

innings in the series-clinching win, striking out six and walking three. Nolan Arenado homered in the top of the ninth inning

to break a 1-1 tie and send the Rockies home to Colorado tied atop the NL West with their next opponent, Los Angeles.

Senzatela was sparkling in his big-league debut, allowing just two hits over five innings. It was somewhat remarkable that

Senzatela even made the major league roster, considering he pitched just five games at Double-A Hartford last season

before his season was cut short by injury. He made up for lost time in a big way Thursday to guide Colorado to a third

victory in the opening four-game series of the season.

Mark Reynolds staked Senzatela a 1-0 lead when he hit his second home run of the series, a leadoff shot off Chase

Anderson in the third inning. That was the only damage Colorado would inflict on Anderson; the righty worked six innings

and struck out four. Adam Ottavino surrendered the lead in the seventh inning, though. Kirk Nieuwenhuis homered to tie

things up and Mike Dunn had to come on in relief of Ottavino after Manny Pina reached base. Dunn kept the Brewers off

the scoreboard and eventually earned the win, despite allowing a walk and a hit in his 1.1 innings pitched. Greg Holland

earned his third save of the year retiring the Brewers in order in the ninth.

The Rockies open the home portion of the 2017 campaign on Friday against the Los Angeles Dodgers, who are also 3-1

to start the season. Another rookie, Denver native Kyle Freeland, will be on the mound for Colorado. Freeland was the

Rockies’ top draft choice in 2014. Freeland made 12 starts in Triple-A Albuquerque in 2016, compiling a 6-3 record and

3.91 ERA.

40

Antonio Senzatela’s poise in debut a good sign for the Rockies

By Aniello Piro - April 6, 2017 / Mile High Sports

Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Antonio Senzatela made his Major League debut in Thursday’s 2-1 victory over the

Milwaukee Brewers. The 22-year-old navigated his way through five scoreless innings, allowing just two hits while striking

out six.

While the stat line is impressive for the rookie, Senzatela faced some complex situations en route to his scoreless debut.

Off the bat, nerves were certainly running high for Senzatela, who found himself in trouble throughout his first two Major

League innings. In the first, he loaded the bases with just one out. His control was noticeably off; however, he managed to

keep cool to deliver a bending pitch that resulted in a double play, escaping the inning unscathed.

With one out in the second inning, a heater slipped out of Senzatela’s hand, beaning the Brewers Keon Broxton in the

face, thankfully Broxton was okay. That said, Senzatela remained calm and was able to work his way out of yet another

jam. From there on, he settled into a groove despite lack of command in his pitches. Senzatela threw 93 pitches with just

56 called strikes.

The poise Senzatela showed throughout his first professional start is a good sign for the Rockies. Pitching at the Major

League level is tough enough, making pitching in the bigs under duress is that much more difficult. With the youthful

rotation the Rockies have, poise and composure will be critical to the level of success Colorado experiences this season.

Senzatela earned a spot in the Rockies rotation late in Spring Training, along with fellow rookie Kyle Freeland, who will

start Colorado’s home opener tomorrow, with his electric fastball mixed and deceiving slider. Overshadowed by other top

pitching prospects within Colorado’s farm system, Senzatela has the stuff to be a successful pitcher at the professional

level. Most importantly, it looks likes Senzatela has the poise to grind through tough scenario’s while on the bump,

something that could ultimately make or break his career.

Sure it’s one start, but Senzatela’s pitching was the deciding point in Thursday’s matinee. If Senzatela caves and allows

just one or two runs in the early innings the outcome of the ballgame could have very well ended in the Brewers’ favor.

41

It’s been a long road, but Stephen Cardullo is living the American dream

By Alissa Noe - April 6, 2017 / Mile High Sports

Growing up in the United States, you often hear about the promise of the American dream, the idea that if you’re willing to

work hard enough, you can achieve your dreams. While that may not be the case for a large portion of society, the

Colorado Rockies’ Stephen Cardullo is living proof that it can, and will, happen to the best of us.

After fighting in the independent league for four years, the Rockies decided to give Cardullo a chance when they signed

him to a minor league deal last year, and called him for his first crack at the Majors on August 26. He’ll make his first

home Opening Day debut on Friday.

Five days after joining the squad last year, Cardullo made a name for himself when he recorded his first MLB home run

and subsequently his first grand slam, on his birthday. This year, he won the Abby Greer Award as the Rockies Spring

Training MVP, after drilling 15 hits and recording 15 RBIs and nine runs.

From the beginning of his higher-education career, Cardullo was always an underdog. He walked on to Florida State’s

team in 2007, where he spent the entirety of his college career.

In Tallahassee, Cardullo was no stranger to testing the waters at a variety of positions, and that helped shape the skilled

player that he’s become today.

“I kind of was a utility player in college,” Cardullo said. “I came in as a third baseman, and then my junior year, I started

the first 15 games at first base, then moved to second, then moved to shortstop, where I was like the last year and a half

at Florida State.”

That versatility has become extremely valuable as he moves forward with his Major League career.

“I played multiple positions, which I felt like has always been beneficial for me—someone in my case—that way I can play

in more positions, so there’s more options,” he said.

Although he didn’t play on scholarship, Cardullo worked himself into one of the best players at his position in the nation.

After helping his team earn a trip to the College World Series during his sophomore year, he added his name to the

42

Seminole history books the next year when he became the second FSU shortstop ever to earn a spot on the All-American

first team. The same year, he was named a semifinalist for the Brooks Wallace Award, which is awarded to the nation’s

top shortstop.

“I’ve always worked hard throughout my whole life regardless, in high school, going to college and walking on at Florida

State, so I definitely was working hard with that, working hard with getting drafted as a senior,” Cardullo said. “I’m

constantly working hard, I still am.”

That hard worked paid off after his senior year, when he got drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 24th round,

where he spent two years in the minor league system. Unfortunately, the stars did not align in Cardullo’s favor, because

the D-backs released him in 2012, forcing him to search for alternative options.

“I got released by the Diamondbacks during spring training in 2012,” Cardullo said. “They just parted ways with me. I knew

I needed to improve as a baseball player; my skill set wasn’t there to keep me around.”

But he wasn’t ready to give up on his dream quite yet.

“The mindset definitely was a little changed, I would say, when I got released,” Cardullo said. “I think I kind of thought that

getting released was kind of like getting fired. You got to pick yourself back up. I’m fortunate enough I had a great support

system, I picked myself back up, and I’m here.”

He decided to go down the last resort route by signing himself up for the independent league, which took him straight to

Canada as a member of the London Road Warriors. Shortly after joining his new Ontario team, Cardullo found himself in

another tough spot when the team folded and another team in Florence, Kentucky picked him up.

“I put in a lot of hard work in the off season, and after the release, I still wanted to play,” Cardullo said. “I was fortunate

enough that there were independent opportunities in baseball, so I did that just to kind of showcase and put the work in.”

Once his time with Florence ended, he found his way into the Rockland Boulders roster up in New York.

“That first year, I definitely took some time getting adjusted, being in Canada and then having that team fold and then

going off to Kentucky,” Cardullo said. “That was a structured organization, which was real well.”

43

Throughout his entire independent league ordeal, Cardullo had to work his way back towards grabbing the attention of

major league scouts by improving every day. That task came with its challenges, as Cardullo often found himself

scrapping to make an extra buck with the poor wages of the independent leaguers.

“In the offseason, you just do part-time stuff like working camps and clinics,” Cardullo said. “During the season, the teams

usually supply camp days and working camps, so I’d work camps and stuff like that during the season. Honestly, my

parents helped out a lot. I had host families too, and that was real beneficial. It was like a home away from home.”

Now, as Cardullo preps himself for his first home opener on a Major League roster, all his hard work over the years is

starting to pay off, with money worries being a thing of the past.

“It’s a great feeling, but there’s a lot of work to be done,” Cardullo said. “I have to continue to get better and help this team

win. Nothing’s secure, obviously, so I got to go in with a strong mindset and work the hardest I’ve ever worked. I’m

confident I’m going to do that.”

44

Bottom part of the order key in series win vs. Milwaukee

By Andrew Dill - April 7, 2017 / BSN Denver

The Colorado Rockies are a team known for their ability to score runs … and in abundance. In the first two games of the

four-game set against the Milwaukee Brewers, Colorado put up 13 runs in two games. As for the last two games,

Colorado’s offense was dormant as they collected just three runs.

Colorado can thank the bottom part of the order for their series win in Milwaukee.

The three big names featured at the top of the order for Colorado — Charlie Blackmon, DJ LeMahieu, and Carlos

Gonzalez — couldn’t find their rhythm, posting averages of .125, .067, and .125 respectively while collecting just two

extra-base hits — both off the bat of CarGo

Never a bad thing when your team can take three out of four while your one-through-three hitters are all kept silent.

Insert Gerardo Parra, Mark Reynolds, and the tandem Tony Wolters/Dustin Garneau.

Though Wolters’ bat was silent in his last two games, the left-handed hitting catcher produced two hits while crossing the

plate twice in Colorado’s opening day victory.

As for Gerardo Parra, the laughing stock of Rockies baseball last season, he has proved to everyone that he meant

business this offseason and he’s taking advantage of the injury to David Dahl.

Parra, who signed a three-year, $27.5 million contract with the Rockies in 2016, went hitless in Colorado’s series finale

Thursday afternoon. However, the 29-year-old native of Santa Barbara, Venezuela, is sporting a .400 average with one

run and four RBI in four games played.

Backup catcher Dustin Garneau, filling in for the injured Tom Murphy, went a perfect 2-for-2 at the dish, collecting a

double and a walks.

As for the main thump of the order, look no further to the man who accepted a minor-league contract to remain with the

Colorado Rockies.

45

Mark Reynolds.

Reynolds proved to be more than a stopgap in his first season as a member of the Colorado Rockies. Reynolds slashed

at a line of .282/.356/.450 with 24 doubles, 14 home runs, and 53 RBI in 118 games last season.

Reynolds was going to make the roster one way or another, either filling in as an injury replacement or by coming off the

bench to serve as a defensive replacement or to pinch-hit. With the injury to Ian Desmond in the middle of spring training,

Reynolds is making the most of his opportunity as the everyday starting first baseman.

Reynolds has hit safely in his first four games. Not to mention, the veteran collected three straight multi-hit games to start

the season, including four extra-base hits — three doubles and two home runs. The first to homers for the Rockies this

season. Go figure.

In Thursday’s 2-1 victory over Milwaukee, Mark went 1-for-4 — that one hit was crucial. Reynolds led off the top half of the

third inning with a solo home run to right-center off Brewers starting pitcher Chase Anderson — Anderson’s only mistake

of the game.

Milwaukee tied the ballgame at one apiece with a solo shot of their own from Kirk Nieuwenhuis in the seventh inning off

Adam Ottavino. Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado connected on a home run in the top half of the ninth to give

Colorado the last run they needed. Of course, with the fantastic performances of the bullpen were backed up by

phenomenal defense from the first baseman driving in all the runs.

As for Mark Reynolds — you can’t make this stuff up. He turned down multiple minor-league contracts, as well as an offer

from Korea, to remain with the Colorado Rockies. The Rockies, their fans, and Reynolds have to be pretty ecstatic as

what has transpired so far.

46

Arenado bangs, Senza dazzles, Rockies roll

By Drew Creasman on April 6, 2017 / BSN Denver

It was a special day for Colorado Rockies starting pitcher who was making his MLB debut against the Milwaukee Brewers

at 22-years-old. There were reasons beyond baseball why it was an emotional day, but the young man quickly got his

heartbeat in check and went on to pitch a gem … for his mother.

Antonio Senzatela got into a spot of trouble right away when a single, a double, and a walk loaded the bases with one out

in the first. But the rookie got the groundball he was looking for, inducing an inning-ending double play and keeping the

game scoreless. It was the best chance the Brewers would have against him all game.

The Rockies got on the board in the third with a solo home run from Mark Reynolds. Reynolds has hit the first two home

runs for the Rox in 2017 and has already driven in six runs which is fascinating considering the club went out and spent

$70 million on his replacement, Ian Desmond, this offseason. Still, Reynolds decided to rejoin the team, who clearly

needed a backup at first, and both parties are reaping the benefits early.

Reynolds also turned a nifty 3-6-3 double play in the sixth, proving his value with the glove in addition to being the team’s

primary offensive weapon at the moment. And nearly their only offensive weapon in this game. He performed an even

more spectacular defensive feat with a diving catch in the seventh. He was, again, the Rockies best position player in the

game.

Ultimately, it was Senzatela’s day.

His final line: 5 IP, 2 H, 3 BB, 6 K. Not bad for a 22-year-old rookie in his debut. He became the sixth-youngest player in

franchise history to make a start. And what a start it was.

Kirk Nieuwenhuis tied the game in the bottom of the seventh off Adam Ottavino when he got on top of a high fastball and

drove a solo home run over the right field fence after a 10-pitch at-bat. This meant that Senzatela would get a no-decision.

Mike Dunn had another nice outing, though allowed two base runners in 1.1 innings. His ERA remains at zero, though.

47

Crunch time is Nolan Arenado’s time. The Rockies star, and incredibly clutch, third baseman took a high fastball from

Brewers closer Neftali Feliz — on a two-strike count — over the left-centerfield fence to give his squad a 2-1 lead.

Greg Holland came on in the bottom of the ninth and struck out the first two he faced in dominant fashion. Ryan Braun put

a scare into the Rockies for a moment with a deep drive to right, but it fell harmlessly into Carlos Gonzalez‘ glove and

Holland got his third save, the Rockies won their third game, their first series, and their first road series of 2017.

48

Beautiful weather expected at Coors Field for Opening Day

By Jake Shapiro on April 6, 2017 / BSN Denver

DENVER – Friday marks the first of many baseball games in 2017 in Lower Downtown. The Colorado Rockies begin play

at Coors Field in park’s 23rd season against the Los Angeles Dodges.

First pitch is slated for 2:10 and the weather is supposed to be tremendous. A high of 73 under partly cloudy skies is the

forecast. It should 72 with 9 mph winds out of the southwest at first pitch and AccuWeather says it should feel like 77.

Most will be out in Denver early on in the morning to take part in the festivities and you’re going to need a light jacket. It

won’t warm up till above 60 until around 10:30. With the 2:10 start, fortunately, it shouldn’t cool down until much after the

game is over.

Kyle Freeland will get the ball for the Rockies in his MLB Debut and Hyun-Jin Ryu for L.A. as the Denver baseball season

kicks off.

49

Sensational Start: Antonio Senzatela holds Brewers scoreless in MLB debut

By Jake Shapiro on April 6, 2017 / BSN Denver

22-year-old right-hander Antonio Senzatela made his MLB debut on Thursday at Miller Park. The Colorado Rockies ninth

rated prospect by MLB.com pitched five scoreless innings before getting the handshake from Bud Black.

The club’s fourth starter threw 93 pitches, struck out six, walked three, allowed just two hits facing off against the

Milwaukee Brewers. It was just his eighth start above High-A as his season at Double-A Hartford was limited to injury. In

2015 he was named the California League Pitcher of the year with the Modesto Nuts which came just a season after he

led the Asheville Tourists to a South Atlantic League Championship.

Senzatela’s start on Thursday was also the first since his mother lost her battle with cancer last summer. The young

starter was clearly thinking about her today.

Jake Shapiro @Shapalicious

Senzatela's 93rd pitch of the game, in his MLB Debut, a high-heater at 96 mph for his sixth strikeout.

1:27 PM - 6 Apr 2017 · Boulder, CO

‘Senza’ topped at 97.5 mph today and once he settled down from some explainable early innings nerves he liked great.

Credit: Baseball Savant

50

His slider was sharp but overall his commanding fastball, which the Rockies told him to throw more is what was the

difference maker. Senzatela’s noticeably smooth delivery is a big reason for his acumen. He needs the changeup to come

along a bit more and get more comfortable throwing his slider. Someone someday will catch up to his fastball and that’s

why the Rockies staff is so adamant he develops secondary pitches.

Credit: Baseball Savant

For now, he looks good as the Rockies fourth starter and he’ll get the ball again Tuesday against San Deigo.

51

Arenado, Reynolds homer, Rockies beat Brewers 2-1

Associated Press / 4:21 PM MT

MILWAUKEE -- Nolan Arenado needed a few games to get warmed up after tying for the National League home run title

last season with 41.

Arenado led off the ninth inning with his first homer of the season to give the Colorado Rockies the lead in a 2-1 victory

over the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday.

"I'm just grinding to get comfortable," Arenado said. "I was just trying to shorten up and put the ball in play with two strikes

and (Neftali Feliz) threw one middle-in and I put a good swing on it. I didn't crush it, but I hit it good enough.

Rockies manager Bud Black said power hitters can get tense early in the season looking for their home run swing.

"For Nolan getting the first homer, it is a good sign," Black said.

Mark Reynolds also homered and Antonio Senzatela pitched five strong innings in his major league debut. Former Brewer

Reynolds led off the third against starter Chase Anderson with his second home run of the season.

The Rockies won three of four games in the season-opening series.

Kirk Nieuwenhuis tied it in the seventh with a solo homer off reliever Adam Ottavino.

Senzatela pitched five shutout innings, gave up two hits, had six strikeouts and three walks. He spent last season with

Double-A Hartford and was winless in five spring training starts this year.

Senzatela gave up two hits and a walk in the first, but escape by inducing an inning-ending double play.

"I thought that let him exhale a little bit," Black said.

Mike Dunn (1-0) picked up the win with 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief. Greg Holland finished for his third save in three

chances.

52

Anderson pitched effectively in his first start of the season. He allowed one run and three hits over six innings. He struck

out four and walked two.

TRAINER'S ROOM

Rockies: Dustin Garneau started catcher after Tony Wolters worked the first three games.

Brewers: OF Keon Broxton sustained what Counsell referred to as a small nasal fracture after being struck in the helmet

with 92 mph fastball from Senzatela in the second inning. The ball struck a protective flap on Broxton's helmet and pushed

the flap into his nose. Counsell said Broxton is day-to-day and unlikely to go on the disable list. "That flap, man, that thing

just saved my life," Broxton said. "The crazy thing about it is I was thinking about taking it off a couple days ago, too, and

then this happens. I'm never taking that thing off. It just felt like I got punched by Mike Tyson. But other than that I feel

good."... OF Ryan Braun didn't start as part of a plan to give him routine rest during the season. Braun pinch-hit with two

outs in the ninth and flew out to right.

SENT OUT

The Brewers announced after the game that RHP Taylor Jungmann had been optioned to Double-A Biloxi.

CHANGE OF GLOVES

Eric Thames, signed by the Brewers in the offseason to be their regular first baseman, started in left field. Jesus Aguilar,

who had three hits in four at-bats entering the game, got the start at first. "The fact (Thames) played outfield a little bit for

us (in spring training) is a very valuable thing, especially on a day like today when Braun is not in the lineup," Milwaukee

manager Craig Counsell said. "It strengthens our lineup."

EMOTIONAL ENCOUNTER

When Black informed Senzatela that he'd be making his first major league start, emotions flowed. "He's a guy who, at that

moment, wore his emotions on his sleeve," Black said. "He started tearing up. It was wonderful. We gave each other a big

guy hug."

UP NEXT

53

Rockies: Kyle Freeland will make his major league debut Friday in Colorado's home opener against Los Angeles. The

Denver native, who started 2016 at Double-A Hartford before being promoted to Triple-A Albuquerque last June, went 2-2

with a 3.46 ERA in spring training.

Brewers: Jimmy Nelson makes his first start of the season on Friday as Milwaukee opens a three-game series at home

against the defending World Series champion Chicago Cubs. Nelson was 8-16 with a 4.62 ERA in a career-high 32 starts

last season.

---

54

Left-hander Freeland to make major league debut for Rockies

By ARNIE STAPLETON - Apr. 6, 2017 6:26 PM EDT / Associated Press

DENVER (AP) — Kyle Freeland never got to skip school to attend opening day as a youngster growing up in Colorado.

The rookie 23-year-old left-hander will catch his first Rockies home opener Friday afternoon.

Actually, he'll pitch in it, taking the mound as the Rockies host the Los Angeles Dodgers in the opening of a three-game

series.

"It's going to be really exciting," Freeland said. "Emotions are definitely going to be running high, but for me it's just going

to be (about) staying focused on my task at hand, not letting any outside factors affect me, control my breathing and take

my breaths when I need them."

Freeland insists he's not going to let nerves get to him. He's not going to be overwhelmed by the moment, the pageantry

or the sellout crowd that will include family and friends who watched him go from Thomas Jefferson High School to

Evansville University to first-round draft pick in 2014 by his hometown team.

Nor is he worried about performing at cavernous Coors Field, where baseballs tend not to break as much but sure can

travel far.

"My thoughts on that, I actually had the same thought ever since growing up in Colorado through college and then after I

got drafted to the Rockies is you still have to execute pitches," Freeland said. "You've still got to get the ball on the ground

and get outs. I think if you have that mentality pitching at Coors Field, you're going to have success.

"I think people get away from that where sometimes they get a little scared or timid from the fact the ball flies a little bit

there but you've still got to go out there every day and execute pitches down in the zone."

Freeland said his parents never let him skip school to go to the Rockies' home opener. But he attended many other

games at the downtown ballpark growing up.

"Coming into the stadium, the sights, the smells, the sounds and everything, I mean I can remember it like it was

yesterday," Freeland said.

55

Like many a Colorado kid, he has special memories of the "Rocktober" run a decade ago and he counts several Rockies

among his favorite players growing up.

"You can go down the list. Helton. Walker. The Blake Street Bombers to name a handful of them," Freeland said. "Loved

watching Jeff Francis pitch, Cook pitch."

Freeland made the roster because of a strong spring thanks to the rediscovery of his change-up.

Manager Bud Black's rotation features two rookies on the back end. Antonio Senzatela, a 22-year-old right-hander, pithed

five solid innings in his big league debut Thursday at Milwaukee.

"It's an honor to be able to get called upon to play for your hometown team," Freeland said. "It's been a really exciting few

days."

He's determined not to make his big league debut get the better of him emotionally.

"Doesn't matter if it's Double-A, rookie ball, Single-A, or your debut," Freeland said. "You've got to go out there and think

it's just another game and execute your pitches."