Colorado Rockies vs. Los Angeles Dodgers: 3 Numbers You Should Know

As the Colorado Rockies prepare to take on the Los Angeles Dodgers in the second game of their three-game series at Coors Field, it’s a good time to look at three numbers that are driving some of Colorado’s early success.

With the Rockies sporting a 4-1 record, it’s no secret that the schedule couldn’t have gotten off to a much better start for the team. Kyle Freeland’s masterful Major League debut in Colorado’s 2-1 win at Coors Field on Monday not only was a great way for him to start his career, but also fed into what was an incredible atmosphere at Coors Field for Opening Day.

Freeland’s one-run, four-hit performance over five innings set the tone for the Rockies early in their decision over the Dodgers. It also sets the tone for the first number we’ll look at in this article.

More from Rox Pile

• A Colorado Rockies Thanksgiving
• Colorado Rockies: What if Todd Helton had played football instead?
• Colorado Rockies: Charlie Blackmon out for the season
• Colorado Rockies: Injuries shift look of roster ahead of Dodgers series
• Colorado Rockies: Has Sean Bouchard earned a second look in 2023?

5.06 – That’s the current ERA for Colorado’s five starters through the first turns in the rotation. Freeland and fellow rookie Antonio Senzatela entered the first week of the regular season as question marks, yet had the most solid outings of the week.

Senzatela allowed just two hits and no runs in his five innings of work in his Major League debut against Milwaukee on Thursday. That means he and Freeland combined for 11 innings of work and surrendered just six hits and one earned run in their first-ever MLB outings, equaling a 0.82 ERA.

Colorado’s trio of Jon Gray, Tyler Chatwood and Tyler Anderson allowed 15 runs in 15.2 innings in their debuts. That’s an 8.88 ERA … a number that must be lowered in their second turn through the rotation.

1.56 – That’s the current ERA for Colorado’s relievers through the first five games of the season. When Colorado management said they were retooling the bullpen in 2017, few knew just how big the early impact would be. Last year’s bullpen that finished dead last in MLB in ERA now is seventh in the league. What a turnaround.

Through 17.1 innings, Colorado relievers have allowed opposing batters to hit just .161 and have a strikeout-walk total of 24-8. It’s a big reason for Colorado’s early success.

Additionally, the bullpen has a league-leading four saves and has earned two wins. Greg Holland is 3-for-3 in saves, proving that, early on, Colorado’s decision to pursue him following Tommy John surgery was a chance well worth taking.

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

.389 – That’s the current batting average for Mark Reynolds, who has a team-leading two homers and six RBI. Additionally, he’s one of seven Rockies players to earn two or more walks at the plate this season.