Beating the West: Rockies' pitching leads to a win over the rival Padres

There’s nothing like beating a divison rival. Whether it’s February or September, the Colorado Rockies are always going to enjoy winning N.L. West games.

And thought he Rockies will be picked to finish last in the West again this season, they’ve been feasting on their divison rivals thus far in the Cactus League. They did so again on Wednesday when they beat the San Diego Padres 4-3 at the Peoria Sports Complex.

Of course, big hits were again the story for Colorado as Adeal Amador drove in two runs in the top of the eighth to lift the Rockies to victory.

Perhaps more importantly though, the Rockies once again got to see plenty of good things from their pitching staff, including a start by Antonio Senzatela, who allowed just one hit and struck out two. 

It’s been a rough go of it over the years from Senzatela, who suffered both a knee injury in 2022, then underwent Tommy John surgery a little over a year later.

Finally feeling healthy though, Senzatela is working his way back to being a key part of the Rockies’ staff in 2025, and he’s off to a strong start. He did pitch at the end of last season, but didn’t fare too well, and never felt completely comfortable on the mound. So to get ready for this season, he spent most of the winter at the Rockies’ complex at Salt River Fields, and it’s paid off. 

“Being here helped me a lot. I could see Kyle Freeland, Ryan McMahon, the trainers and everybody. They really helped me and supported me, and taught me the workouts I needed to be healthy,” Senzatela said to MLB.com earlier this spring.

That hard work is rewarding, and it’s making the Rockies a deeper pitching staff, as was on display on Wednesday against the Padres. Top prospect Gabriel Hughes pitched two scoreless innings and got the win, while Jefry Yan took the mound late in the game much to the excitement of fans everywhere.

And while the Rockies once again delivered at the plate against the Padres, they know they’ll need strong pitching to make moves in the N.L. West this season, and they got that on Wednesday.

Colorado is now 5-1 against the division in Cactus League games this spring. They are 10-3 overall ahead of Thursday’s off day. They then host the Texas Rangers at 6:40 p.m. on Friday at Salt River Fields.