Colorado Rockies game no. 35 thread: Spencer Strider vs Kyle Freeland

TL;DR

The Colorado Rockies face the Atlanta Braves in game 35, with Kyle Freeland starting against Spencer Strider, who is making his season debut. The Rockies are struggling offensively, having lost the first two games of the series.

Key points

Kyle Freeland returns from injury for the Rockies
Spencer Strider makes his season debut for the Braves
Rockies lost the first two games of the series
Inconsistent offense has plagued the Rockies
First pitch is at 1:10 PM MDT

Colorado RockiesAtlanta BravesKyle FreelandSpencer Strider

Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Kyle Freeland (21) throws a pitch in the first inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. The Reds led 4-1 after three innings. | Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Suffice it to say the first two games of this three game set against one of the best current teams in baseball has not gone well for the Colorado Rockies. After a bullpen meltdown on Friday and an overall poor performance—with a rare clunker from Chase Dollander—on Saturday, the Rockies are facing a sweep at the hands of the Atlanta Braves. Left-handed starter Kyle Freeland will make his second appearance since returning from the injured list last week. Freeland pitched fairly well in his first start after dealing with left shoulder soreness, considering he didn’t take a rehab assignment, and faced a Cincinnati Reds offense riding a hot streak. Freeland allowed four earned runs on five hits—including a home run—and a walk while striking out four batters. Their opponent today will be the right-handed, mustachioed menace known as Spencer Strider, who will be making his season debut after missing time with an oblique strain. Strider’s first two full seasons in the league saw him take second in National League Rookie of the Year voting in 2022, and he was both an All-Star and Cy Young candidate in 2023. However, he missed the majority of 2024 due to needing Tommy John surgery. His 2025 campaign—while relatively successful with a 4.45 ERA and 131 strikeouts over 125.1 innings and 23 starts—wasn’t quite the same. Now more than a full year removed from his surgery, Strider will look to begin a rebound campaign against the Rockies’ flat offense. One of the major problems of the series has been inconsistent offense. Despite roaring to a six-run lead early on Friday, the Rockies failed to plate another run for the rest of the game. On Saturday, the Rockies had just two hits after the third inning (and four in total). At his best, Strider relies on a four-pitch mix both heavy on whiffs and heavy on strikeouts. His primary offering is a four-seam fastball that sits in the mid-90s, and he backs it up with a vicious slider with plenty of gloveside break. Strider also throws a very good curveball and a solid changeup. **First Pitch:** 1:10 PM MDT **TV:** Rockies TV **Radio:** KOA 850 AM/94.1 FM; KNRV 1150 (Spanish) **Braves SB Nation site:** **Lineups:**

Q&A

What time does the Rockies vs Braves game start on April 28, 2026?

The game starts at 1:10 PM MDT.

Who are the starting pitchers for the Rockies vs Braves game?

Kyle Freeland will start for the Rockies, while Spencer Strider will start for the Braves.

Why has the Colorado Rockies offense been inconsistent in the series against the Braves?

The Rockies have struggled to score runs, failing to plate additional runs after early leads and managing only two hits after the third inning in the previous game.