Colorado Rockies: The elusive .500 record may have to wait

“Its been 84 years and I can still smell the fresh paint.”  Ok, maybe they aren’t the old lady from the movie Titanic, but for the Colorado Rockies, it sure does feel like it has been forever.

On Wednesday night, the Colorado Rockies found themselves on the precipice of a .500 record, but once again they lost it in heartbreaking fashion. The last time they had an even record was 46 days ago on March 31, when their record was a measly 2-2. Since that date, they have had four chances to get their heads back above water but failed … and the last couple times, failed dramatically.

The first dramatic fail came April 28 against the Braves when reliever Seunghwan Oh blew a 2-run lead in the 8th inning by surrendering a 3-run homer to slugger Josh Donaldson.  Not only did it deny the Rockies of a .500 record but it also kept them from series sweep on the road.

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?

The second fail came Wednesday night against the Red Sox, as the Rockies battled back from down 5 runs to force extra innings.  In the top of the 10th, the Rockies squandered Nolan Arenado‘s lead off double and then the Sox made quick work of Chad Bettis in the bottom of the frame for a 6-5 victory.

Looking ahead, the Rockies might have to wait a little longer to finally get over the hump. This weekend they head to Philadelphia, where the NL East leading Phillies have been tough to beat at home.  Compounding the issue, Saturday’s probable starter is Cy Young candidate Aaron Nola.

They finish their eight-game road trip against former Rockies’ skipper Clint Hurdle and the Pittsburgh Pirates, who much like the Rockies, are stuck in neutral.  In the series, the Rockies will likely see ace Chris Archer, who is coming off the injured list and was roughed up by the Diamondbacks on Wednesday.

With the upcoming schedule, a .500 record might have to wait another week. As long as they go 3-3 to finish the road trip, they will have plenty of opportunities to draw their record even.  Ten straight games at Coors Field awaits with a 3-game set with the American League’s worst Baltimore Orioles leading off.

The Rockies have had their chances to draw even but the elusive .500 has continued to be a problem reach.  Unfortunately, it might take them a little longer before they get there.