Heartbreak: Top three takes from the Rockies' Opening Day loss to the Rays

For six innings, the Colorado Rockies were on the verge of making Opening Day a special one. Then, reality came crashing in.

And in a 3-2 walkoff loss to the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday, the reality the Rockies and their fans must face is, the season is gong to be a rollercoaster.

The Rockies let a superb start from Kyle Freeland, and a 2-0 lead fall by the wayside against the Rays, in a game that culminated with Kameron Misner’s walkoff homer off of Victor Vodnik in the bottom of the ninth as Colorado fell to a disheartening 0-1 on the season.

Not only did the Rockies squander such a great start from Freeland, but, Ezequiel Tovar, Ryan McMahon and Hunter Goodman combined for eight hits, in a game that was not meant to be.

Now the Rockies will look to bounce back when Antonio Senzatela takes the mound on Saturday in a game that starts at 2:10 p.m. at Steinbrenner Stadium. The favored Rays have -203 moneyline odds to win against the underdog Rockies, who are listed at +168. Tampa Bay is the run-line favorite (-1.5). The total for the game has been listed at 8.5 runs.

But before we get to Saturday, here are the three biggest takes from Opening Day.

3. Rockies had better start driving in more runs

Colorado can hit. But even in spring training, the Rockies were plagued by leaving runners in scoring position, and on base in general. That reared its ugly head on Friday as Colorado had seven hits, including three doubles. But, the Rockies were a measly 2-for-10 in RISP on Opening Day, and if the Rockies keep doing that, it’s going to be a long season.

2. Kyle Freeland looks the part

Freeland’s Opening Day start was spectacular. He finished six innings with just two hits, no runs and seven strikeouts. It was a start worthy of an Opening Day win, and if Freeland keeps pitching like that, he will win plenty this season.

1. It's not too early to worry about the bullpen

One of the biggest problems the Rockies faced last season was loosing leads. An improved bullpen was supposed to be part of the solution this season. And while it’s only one game, the Colorado bullpen failed miserably in its first attempt at improving. After Bud Black pulled Freeland, the Rockies surrendered five hits and three runs, including a homer in the final three innings. That performance gave Rockies’ fans a six feeling of Deja Vu I’m sure, and that kind of relief pitching can’t be the norm again this season.