The first weekend of MLB action unfolds on Sunday, March 30, featuring a pivotal matchup between the Colorado Rockies and the Tampa Bay Rays. After splitting the initial two games of the series, this game will be decisive. The first pitch is scheduled for 1:40 P.M. EST, with Tampa Bay’s Taj Bradley and Colorado’s Ryan Feltner taking the mound.
Rockies Secure Narrow Victory on Saturday
Colorado stands at 1-1 to start the season. After losing to the Rays on Opening Day, they managed a narrow victory on Saturday, showcasing their tenacity.
Ryan Feltner will start for the Rockies in this crucial game. This right-handed pitcher is eager for a strong season debut after finishing last year with a 3-10 record and a 4.49 ERA. On the road, he had a 3.93 ERA and a 2-7 record. Notably, he excelled during day games last season, posting a 3.04 ERA. In his final spring training appearance, Feltner pitched five innings, giving up two runs and six hits while striking out four.
In their latest outing, the Rockies edged out the Rays 2-1 on Saturday. Key contributions came from Brenton Doyle and Kyle Farmer, both securing an RBI. Despite the Rays accumulating 12 hits, they struggled with runners in scoring position, going 2-for-10—a testament to the Rockies’ solid defense. Jonathan Aranada was notably thrown out at the plate by Nick Martini.
“Not often, honestly – it’s a very athletic team and just a fun defense,” said right fielder Nick Martini.
The Rockies had previously lost 3-2 to the Rays, with Kameron Eisner delivering a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth inning.
Rays Adjust to New Home Field
Tampa Bay also holds a 1-1 record to start the season. They mounted a comeback to defeat the Rockies on Friday but faced a close loss on Saturday.
Taj Bradley is set to start for the Rays in this game. This will be his first appearance of the season after making 25 starts last year, where he recorded an 8-11 record and a 4.11 ERA. At home, he had a 3.89 ERA but encountered difficulties against National League teams, posting a 6.14 ERA.
In their recent game, the Rays fell to the Rockies 2-1. Despite solid pitching from Zack Littell, who allowed just one run over six innings and struck out seven, Tampa Bay’s offense fell flat, going 2-for-10 with runners in scoring position.
This season, the Rays will be playing their home games at Steinbrenner Field, which serves as the spring training venue for the New York Yankees and is located 25 minutes northeast of Tropicana Field. Their original stadium remains unplayable due to hurricane damage sustained in the offseason.
“I feel like baseball players are very resilient and very good at adapting to changes,” said Brandon Lowe regarding the team’s new home environment.
Predictions for Rockies vs. Rays
The opening series between the Rays and the Rockies has produced thrilling contests. With Tampa Bay claiming a walk-off victory on Friday and Colorado responding with a 2-1 win on Saturday, fans can expect a competitive matchup on Sunday. Both starting pitchers have shown vulnerabilities, suggesting a more dynamic offense could emerge. Given Ryan Feltner’s struggles last season, the prediction leans toward a Rays victory in this game, especially since he finished 3-10 with a 4.49 ERA. Tampa Bay’s offense may find success against him.
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