Rockies and Angels Clash in Series Opener at Angel Stadium

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - The Colorado Rockies are set to face the Los Angeles Angels in the first game of a three-game series tonight at Angel Stadium. Both teams are currently at the bottom of their respective divisions, with the Angels (23-37) trailing the Mariners by eight games in the AL West, while the Rockies (22-38) sit ten games behind the Dodgers in the NL West.

This season has been challenging for both clubs on the pitching front, with the Rockies holding the worst ERA in Major League Baseball at 5.39. The Angels are not far behind, ranking 28th at 4.72. Colorado has particularly struggled with its starting rotation, currently ranked last in the league with a 5.83 ERA, while Los Angeles has encountered difficulties in its bullpen, with a 5.08 ERA.

The Rockies' recent performance has been disappointing, with a record of 3-7 over their last ten games and a dismal 8-20 mark in May. They managed to secure a 2-1 victory over the Giants to conclude the month after losing their first eight series. In contrast, the Angels have found some momentum, winning six of their last ten games and taking three consecutive series against the Rangers, Tigers, and Rays.

Beginning the matchup for Colorado, Kyle Freeland (1-6, 8.08 ERA) will make his tenth start of the season. May proved to be particularly tough for him, as he went 0-4 with a staggering 12.46 ERA over five outings, including a rough outing against the Dodgers where he allowed eight runs in just four innings. However, Freeland has historically performed well against the Angels, boasting a 3-0 record and a 2.40 ERA in five starts against them.

On the opposing side, José Soriano (6-4, 2.65 ERA) will take the mound for the Angels, establishing himself as their most effective starter this season. With 78 strikeouts in 71 innings across 12 starts, the 27-year-old right-hander has proven his mettle. Soriano has faced the Rockies only once, managing to keep them scoreless in two innings during a 2023 matchup.

The Rockies are expected to return to Coors Field for a six-game home stand starting June 5, facing both the Brewers and Cubs. In a roster shakeup prior to the game, the Rockies have called up RHP reliever TJ Shook from Triple-A Albuquerque, while sending down struggling reliever Zach Agnos.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:38 p.m. MDT, with coverage available on Rockies.TV and the KOA Rockies Radio Network.