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Deadspin | Dodgers out to halt first skid of ’26, split set vs. Rockies  Apr 19, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) runs on an RBI double in the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images   Shohei Ohtani needed a ninth-inning single on Saturday night to extend his on-base streak to 50, but he made it 51 early in Sunday’s game, moving past Willie Keeler for third all-time in Dodgers franchise history.  The four-time MVP will try to keep the streak alive when Los Angeles concludes a four-game series at the Colorado Rockies on Monday night in Denver. Colorado rallied to win 9-6 on Sunday, handing the Dodgers consecutive losses for the first time this season.  The Rockies’ nine runs were the most Los Angeles has allowed in 2026.  The Dodgers will send Justin Wrobleski (2-0, 2.12 ERA) to the mound against Colorado’s Jose Quintana (0-1, 5.63) in a battle of lefties.  Wrobleski is facing the Rockies for the fourth time in his career but is making his first start against Colorado. He is 1-1 with a 2.89 ERA and one save, with all three appearances coming in Denver.  Ohtani usually garners the most attention, but on Sunday it was Ryan Ward who took over the headlines. The career minor leaguer made his major league debut in place of Freddie Freeman, who was put on the paternity list.  Ward grinded through the minors since 2019, peaking at Triple-A Oklahoma City. He was the Pacific Coast League MVP in 2025 after leading all of the minors with 36 home runs and 122 RBIs, and finally got his chance Sunday.  Ward flew out on the first pitch he saw in the big leagues and had an RBI single in his second at-bat. He added another single in the sixth and finished 2-for-5.   “He’s a guy that, he’s never been that big prospect,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “I really believe in meritocracy and performing. Nothing was given to him, he’s had to earn it and continue to earn it and continue to prove it. I do relate to that and so I’m sensitive to guys like him.”  Colorado has a chance to win the wraparound series with Quintana on the mound. The veteran has faced Los Angeles 15 times (including 12 starts) and is 4-2 with a 2.32 ERA.  He was 1-0 with a 3.75 ERA in two starts against the Dodgers in the 2025 regular season but was knocked around in his only start of the NL Championship Series while with the Milwaukee Brewers.  Quintana landed on the 15-day injured list after his first start this season and returned April 15 at Houston. Monday night will be his home debut at Coors Field, where he is 3-2 with a 5.40 ERA in six career starts with four different teams.  If Quintana runs into trouble, the Rockies’ improved bullpen can take over. A unit that was hit hard during the 119-loss 2025 season has been a strength in 2026. Colorado relievers didn’t allow a run in four of five games before Los Angeles scored three on Sunday, including two in a nervous ninth inning.  “We’re nasty, man, the bullpen is nasty,” said Victor Vodnik, who has three saves this season in nine appearances. “Everybody trusts everybody … and they pick each other up. And everybody throws friggin’ hard. And everybody gives different looks, so it makes it hard (on opponents), for sure.”  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Dodgers #halt #skid #split #set #Rockies

Deadspin | Dodgers out to halt first skid of ’26, split set vs. Rockies
Deadspin | Dodgers out to halt first skid of ’26, split set vs. Rockies  Apr 19, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) runs on an RBI double in the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images   Shohei Ohtani needed a ninth-inning single on Saturday night to extend his on-base streak to 50, but he made it 51 early in Sunday’s game, moving past Willie Keeler for third all-time in Dodgers franchise history.  The four-time MVP will try to keep the streak alive when Los Angeles concludes a four-game series at the Colorado Rockies on Monday night in Denver. Colorado rallied to win 9-6 on Sunday, handing the Dodgers consecutive losses for the first time this season.  The Rockies’ nine runs were the most Los Angeles has allowed in 2026.  The Dodgers will send Justin Wrobleski (2-0, 2.12 ERA) to the mound against Colorado’s Jose Quintana (0-1, 5.63) in a battle of lefties.  Wrobleski is facing the Rockies for the fourth time in his career but is making his first start against Colorado. He is 1-1 with a 2.89 ERA and one save, with all three appearances coming in Denver.  Ohtani usually garners the most attention, but on Sunday it was Ryan Ward who took over the headlines. The career minor leaguer made his major league debut in place of Freddie Freeman, who was put on the paternity list.  Ward grinded through the minors since 2019, peaking at Triple-A Oklahoma City. He was the Pacific Coast League MVP in 2025 after leading all of the minors with 36 home runs and 122 RBIs, and finally got his chance Sunday.  Ward flew out on the first pitch he saw in the big leagues and had an RBI single in his second at-bat. He added another single in the sixth and finished 2-for-5.   “He’s a guy that, he’s never been that big prospect,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “I really believe in meritocracy and performing. Nothing was given to him, he’s had to earn it and continue to earn it and continue to prove it. I do relate to that and so I’m sensitive to guys like him.”  Colorado has a chance to win the wraparound series with Quintana on the mound. The veteran has faced Los Angeles 15 times (including 12 starts) and is 4-2 with a 2.32 ERA.  He was 1-0 with a 3.75 ERA in two starts against the Dodgers in the 2025 regular season but was knocked around in his only start of the NL Championship Series while with the Milwaukee Brewers.  Quintana landed on the 15-day injured list after his first start this season and returned April 15 at Houston. Monday night will be his home debut at Coors Field, where he is 3-2 with a 5.40 ERA in six career starts with four different teams.  If Quintana runs into trouble, the Rockies’ improved bullpen can take over. A unit that was hit hard during the 119-loss 2025 season has been a strength in 2026. Colorado relievers didn’t allow a run in four of five games before Los Angeles scored three on Sunday, including two in a nervous ninth inning.  “We’re nasty, man, the bullpen is nasty,” said Victor Vodnik, who has three saves this season in nine appearances. “Everybody trusts everybody … and they pick each other up. And everybody throws friggin’ hard. And everybody gives different looks, so it makes it hard (on opponents), for sure.”  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Dodgers #halt #skid #split #set #RockiesApr 19, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) runs on an RBI double in the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Shohei Ohtani needed a ninth-inning single on Saturday night to extend his on-base streak to 50, but he made it 51 early in Sunday’s game, moving past Willie Keeler for third all-time in Dodgers franchise history.

The four-time MVP will try to keep the streak alive when Los Angeles concludes a four-game series at the Colorado Rockies on Monday night in Denver. Colorado rallied to win 9-6 on Sunday, handing the Dodgers consecutive losses for the first time this season.

The Rockies’ nine runs were the most Los Angeles has allowed in 2026.

The Dodgers will send Justin Wrobleski (2-0, 2.12 ERA) to the mound against Colorado’s Jose Quintana (0-1, 5.63) in a battle of lefties.

Wrobleski is facing the Rockies for the fourth time in his career but is making his first start against Colorado. He is 1-1 with a 2.89 ERA and one save, with all three appearances coming in Denver.

Ohtani usually garners the most attention, but on Sunday it was Ryan Ward who took over the headlines. The career minor leaguer made his major league debut in place of Freddie Freeman, who was put on the paternity list.

Ward grinded through the minors since 2019, peaking at Triple-A Oklahoma City. He was the Pacific Coast League MVP in 2025 after leading all of the minors with 36 home runs and 122 RBIs, and finally got his chance Sunday.


Ward flew out on the first pitch he saw in the big leagues and had an RBI single in his second at-bat. He added another single in the sixth and finished 2-for-5.

“He’s a guy that, he’s never been that big prospect,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “I really believe in meritocracy and performing. Nothing was given to him, he’s had to earn it and continue to earn it and continue to prove it. I do relate to that and so I’m sensitive to guys like him.”

Colorado has a chance to win the wraparound series with Quintana on the mound. The veteran has faced Los Angeles 15 times (including 12 starts) and is 4-2 with a 2.32 ERA.

He was 1-0 with a 3.75 ERA in two starts against the Dodgers in the 2025 regular season but was knocked around in his only start of the NL Championship Series while with the Milwaukee Brewers.

Quintana landed on the 15-day injured list after his first start this season and returned April 15 at Houston. Monday night will be his home debut at Coors Field, where he is 3-2 with a 5.40 ERA in six career starts with four different teams.

If Quintana runs into trouble, the Rockies’ improved bullpen can take over. A unit that was hit hard during the 119-loss 2025 season has been a strength in 2026. Colorado relievers didn’t allow a run in four of five games before Los Angeles scored three on Sunday, including two in a nervous ninth inning.

“We’re nasty, man, the bullpen is nasty,” said Victor Vodnik, who has three saves this season in nine appearances. “Everybody trusts everybody … and they pick each other up. And everybody throws friggin’ hard. And everybody gives different looks, so it makes it hard (on opponents), for sure.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Dodgers #halt #skid #split #set #Rockies

Apr 19, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) runs on an RBI double in the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Shohei Ohtani needed a ninth-inning single on Saturday night to extend his on-base streak to 50, but he made it 51 early in Sunday’s game, moving past Willie Keeler for third all-time in Dodgers franchise history.

The four-time MVP will try to keep the streak alive when Los Angeles concludes a four-game series at the Colorado Rockies on Monday night in Denver. Colorado rallied to win 9-6 on Sunday, handing the Dodgers consecutive losses for the first time this season.

The Rockies’ nine runs were the most Los Angeles has allowed in 2026.

The Dodgers will send Justin Wrobleski (2-0, 2.12 ERA) to the mound against Colorado’s Jose Quintana (0-1, 5.63) in a battle of lefties.

Wrobleski is facing the Rockies for the fourth time in his career but is making his first start against Colorado. He is 1-1 with a 2.89 ERA and one save, with all three appearances coming in Denver.

Ohtani usually garners the most attention, but on Sunday it was Ryan Ward who took over the headlines. The career minor leaguer made his major league debut in place of Freddie Freeman, who was put on the paternity list.

Ward grinded through the minors since 2019, peaking at Triple-A Oklahoma City. He was the Pacific Coast League MVP in 2025 after leading all of the minors with 36 home runs and 122 RBIs, and finally got his chance Sunday.

Ward flew out on the first pitch he saw in the big leagues and had an RBI single in his second at-bat. He added another single in the sixth and finished 2-for-5.

“He’s a guy that, he’s never been that big prospect,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “I really believe in meritocracy and performing. Nothing was given to him, he’s had to earn it and continue to earn it and continue to prove it. I do relate to that and so I’m sensitive to guys like him.”

Colorado has a chance to win the wraparound series with Quintana on the mound. The veteran has faced Los Angeles 15 times (including 12 starts) and is 4-2 with a 2.32 ERA.

He was 1-0 with a 3.75 ERA in two starts against the Dodgers in the 2025 regular season but was knocked around in his only start of the NL Championship Series while with the Milwaukee Brewers.

Quintana landed on the 15-day injured list after his first start this season and returned April 15 at Houston. Monday night will be his home debut at Coors Field, where he is 3-2 with a 5.40 ERA in six career starts with four different teams.

If Quintana runs into trouble, the Rockies’ improved bullpen can take over. A unit that was hit hard during the 119-loss 2025 season has been a strength in 2026. Colorado relievers didn’t allow a run in four of five games before Los Angeles scored three on Sunday, including two in a nervous ninth inning.

“We’re nasty, man, the bullpen is nasty,” said Victor Vodnik, who has three saves this season in nine appearances. “Everybody trusts everybody … and they pick each other up. And everybody throws friggin’ hard. And everybody gives different looks, so it makes it hard (on opponents), for sure.”

–Field Level Media

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GT vs MI Live Score, IPL 2026: Gujarat Titans keen to continue winning streak; Mumbai Indians sweats over Rohit Sharma fitness <div><p><b>Bowling Woes: </b>A record-high economy rate of 11.34, with Jasprit Bumrah surprisingly wicketless.</p><p><b>Batting Inconsistency: </b>No batter ranks in the top 30 run-getters; Rohit Sharma’s injury and Tilak Varma’s poor form have further weakened the lineup.</p><p>Captain Hardik Pandya emphasised the need for “difficult calls” as the five-time champions face a daunting climb toward the playoffs.</p></div> #Live #Score #IPL #Gujarat #Titans #keen #continue #winning #streak #Mumbai #Indians #sweats #Rohit #Sharma #fitness

#Sabastian #Sawe #breaks #2hour #barrier #shatters #marathon #world #record">Sabastian Sawe breaks 2-hour barrier, shatters marathon world record  Sabastian Sawe lived up to his status as a pre-race favorite at the London Marathon, and then some. The 30-year-old Kenyan shattered the world record and became the first man to complete the 26.2 miles in under 2 hours.When Sawe crossed the finish line on the Mall in central London, the clock showed 1 hour, 59 minutes and 30 seconds — a full 65 seconds than the times set by previous record holder Kelvin Kiptum in 2023.“I am feeling good, I am so happy,” Sawe said after rewriting the record books. “It is a day to remember.”Sawe was not the only runner to break a barrier long considered unreachable. Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha finished only 11 seconds down to Sawe in second place; third place went to Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimi, who finished just outside the two-hour mark at 2:00:28 but would still have bested Kiptum’s former world record.The conditions were favorable all day. Starting with temperatures in the low 50s and a tailwind over the final few miles, the stage was set for a memorable day.Sawe and Kejelcha were part of the leading group all day, and broke clear from their four companions including Kiplimi past the halfway mark. At that point, the world record let alone the two-hour mark did not look to be in danger. However, the leading pair picked up the pace.Sawe, who finished the second half of the race in 59:01, broke free shortly before reaching the finish line.“I think I was well-prepared because coming to London for the second time was so important to me,” Sawe told the BBC. “And that’s why I prepared well for it. And finally, what I had done for four months, it has come today to be a good result.”Sawe’s was not the only record-breaking performance on Sunday, though. Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa finished the women’s race in 2:15:41, winning a three-up sprint to secure the victory by 12 seconds ahead of Kenyan duo Hellen Obiri and Joyciline Jepkosgei.  #Sabastian #Sawe #breaks #2hour #barrier #shatters #marathon #world #record

Deadspin | Struggling Kodai Senga seeks better form during Mets-Rockies doubleheader  Apr 17, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Kodai Senga (34) delivers a pitch against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images   No player better symbolizes the topsy-turvy nature of the New York Mets than right-hander Kodai Senga.  On Sunday, the Mets will look to the 33-year-old starting pitcher to snap his slump and help New York avoid falling into another tailspin when it hosts the Colorado Rockies in a doubleheader.  Senga (0-3, 8.83 ERA) and fellow right-hander Nolan McLean (1-1, 2.67) are expected to start for the Mets. The Rockies will counter with left-hander Jose Quintana (0-2, 6.23) in Game 1 and an opener ahead of right-hander Chase Dollander (2-2, 2.88).  The doubleheader was necessitated by a rainout Saturday, when Senga was slated to oppose Quintana.  The Rockies need only a split to win the series. That’s because they claimed Friday’s opener, 4-3, when Michael Lorenzen tossed seven strong innings and Troy Johnston delivered what proved to be the decisive two-run single in the seventh inning.  The loss halted a two-game winning streak for the Mets, who snapped a 12-game losing streak with Wednesday’s 3-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins. At 9-17, New York entered Saturday’s play tied with the Kansas City Royals for the second-worst record in the majors. Only the National League East-rival Philadelphia Phillies (8-18) are worse.  The Mets’ season-opening slide could be considered a continuation of the struggles they endured over the final three-plus months of last season. New York had the best record in the bigs at 45-24 through June 12, but they missed the playoffs after stumbling to a 38-55 mark — the fifth-worst in the game — the rest of the way.  The Mets’ skid began the day after Senga suffered a right hamstring injury covering first base on June 12, 2025. Senga, who was 7-3 with a 1.47 ERA in 13 starts when he got hurt, only missed a month. But that was enough to ruin his rhythm as he went 0-3 with a 5.90 ERA in his final nine starts before ending the season with Triple-A Syracuse.  Senga opened this year allowing four runs over 11 2/3 innings in his first two starts, but he has surrendered 14 runs (13 earned) over 5 2/3 innings in his last two starts. That includes seven runs (six earned) in 3 1/3 innings in his most recent appearance on April 17, when he took the defeat in the Mets’ 12-4 road loss to the Chicago Cubs.  Senga’s start was pushed back from Thursday so he could throw two side sessions.  “This is a guy that’s very meticulous about his work and his mechanics and things like that,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Friday afternoon. “Just got to go out there and do it.”   Lorenzen’s longest outing of the season helped the Rockies improve to 11-16 and move into position to earn their third series win of the season.  When the Rockies finished 43-119 last season, they didn’t win their first series until a three-game sweep of the Miami Marlins on June 1-3 — a trio of wins that improved their record to 12-50. Colorado didn’t post its third series win until winning two of three against the Minnesota Twins on July 18-20.  The win Friday — secured when converted starter Antonio Senzatela got the final five outs while facing just four batters thanks to getting Mark Vientos to line into an inning-ending double play in the eighth — also improved the Rockies to 4-6 in one-run games this season. Colorado was 3-7 in its first 10 one-run games last season — a stretch that spanned the first 46 games.  “Any time you are winning more games than last year, there is going to be better energy,” said Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer, who replaced Bud Black as skipper last year following Colorado’s 7-33 start. “They are playing well right now.”  McLean didn’t factor into the decision in his most recent start last Tuesday, when he gave up three runs over 6 2/3 innings as the Mets fell to the visiting Minnesota Twins, 5-3. He did fan 10 hitters without a walk.  Quintana took the loss in his most recent start last Monday night, when he allowed six runs (four earned) over five innings as the Rockies fell to the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers, 12-3.  Dollander, who has served as a reliever in all six of his appearances this year, took the defeat last Tuesday after giving up one run over a season-high six innings in the Rockies’ 1-0 loss to the visiting San Diego Padres.  Senga is 2-0 with a 1.47 ERA in three career starts against the Rockies. McLean has never opposed Colorado.  Quintana, who pitched for the Mets from 2023-24, is 2-3 with a 4.25 ERA in five starts against his former club. Dollander absorbed the defeat in his lone previous start against New York last June 8, when he allowed five runs over three innings in the Rockies’ home 13-5 loss.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Struggling #Kodai #Senga #seeks #form #MetsRockies #doubleheaderApr 17, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Kodai Senga (34) delivers a pitch against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

No player better symbolizes the topsy-turvy nature of the New York Mets than right-hander Kodai Senga.

On Sunday, the Mets will look to the 33-year-old starting pitcher to snap his slump and help New York avoid falling into another tailspin when it hosts the Colorado Rockies in a doubleheader.

Senga (0-3, 8.83 ERA) and fellow right-hander Nolan McLean (1-1, 2.67) are expected to start for the Mets. The Rockies will counter with left-hander Jose Quintana (0-2, 6.23) in Game 1 and an opener ahead of right-hander Chase Dollander (2-2, 2.88).

The doubleheader was necessitated by a rainout Saturday, when Senga was slated to oppose Quintana.

The Rockies need only a split to win the series. That’s because they claimed Friday’s opener, 4-3, when Michael Lorenzen tossed seven strong innings and Troy Johnston delivered what proved to be the decisive two-run single in the seventh inning.

The loss halted a two-game winning streak for the Mets, who snapped a 12-game losing streak with Wednesday’s 3-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins. At 9-17, New York entered Saturday’s play tied with the Kansas City Royals for the second-worst record in the majors. Only the National League East-rival Philadelphia Phillies (8-18) are worse.

The Mets’ season-opening slide could be considered a continuation of the struggles they endured over the final three-plus months of last season. New York had the best record in the bigs at 45-24 through June 12, but they missed the playoffs after stumbling to a 38-55 mark — the fifth-worst in the game — the rest of the way.

The Mets’ skid began the day after Senga suffered a right hamstring injury covering first base on June 12, 2025. Senga, who was 7-3 with a 1.47 ERA in 13 starts when he got hurt, only missed a month. But that was enough to ruin his rhythm as he went 0-3 with a 5.90 ERA in his final nine starts before ending the season with Triple-A Syracuse.

Senga opened this year allowing four runs over 11 2/3 innings in his first two starts, but he has surrendered 14 runs (13 earned) over 5 2/3 innings in his last two starts. That includes seven runs (six earned) in 3 1/3 innings in his most recent appearance on April 17, when he took the defeat in the Mets’ 12-4 road loss to the Chicago Cubs.

Senga’s start was pushed back from Thursday so he could throw two side sessions.


“This is a guy that’s very meticulous about his work and his mechanics and things like that,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Friday afternoon. “Just got to go out there and do it.”

Lorenzen’s longest outing of the season helped the Rockies improve to 11-16 and move into position to earn their third series win of the season.

When the Rockies finished 43-119 last season, they didn’t win their first series until a three-game sweep of the Miami Marlins on June 1-3 — a trio of wins that improved their record to 12-50. Colorado didn’t post its third series win until winning two of three against the Minnesota Twins on July 18-20.

The win Friday — secured when converted starter Antonio Senzatela got the final five outs while facing just four batters thanks to getting Mark Vientos to line into an inning-ending double play in the eighth — also improved the Rockies to 4-6 in one-run games this season. Colorado was 3-7 in its first 10 one-run games last season — a stretch that spanned the first 46 games.

“Any time you are winning more games than last year, there is going to be better energy,” said Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer, who replaced Bud Black as skipper last year following Colorado’s 7-33 start. “They are playing well right now.”

McLean didn’t factor into the decision in his most recent start last Tuesday, when he gave up three runs over 6 2/3 innings as the Mets fell to the visiting Minnesota Twins, 5-3. He did fan 10 hitters without a walk.

Quintana took the loss in his most recent start last Monday night, when he allowed six runs (four earned) over five innings as the Rockies fell to the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers, 12-3.

Dollander, who has served as a reliever in all six of his appearances this year, took the defeat last Tuesday after giving up one run over a season-high six innings in the Rockies’ 1-0 loss to the visiting San Diego Padres.

Senga is 2-0 with a 1.47 ERA in three career starts against the Rockies. McLean has never opposed Colorado.

Quintana, who pitched for the Mets from 2023-24, is 2-3 with a 4.25 ERA in five starts against his former club. Dollander absorbed the defeat in his lone previous start against New York last June 8, when he allowed five runs over three innings in the Rockies’ home 13-5 loss.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Struggling #Kodai #Senga #seeks #form #MetsRockies #doubleheader">Deadspin | Struggling Kodai Senga seeks better form during Mets-Rockies doubleheader  Apr 17, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Kodai Senga (34) delivers a pitch against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images   No player better symbolizes the topsy-turvy nature of the New York Mets than right-hander Kodai Senga.  On Sunday, the Mets will look to the 33-year-old starting pitcher to snap his slump and help New York avoid falling into another tailspin when it hosts the Colorado Rockies in a doubleheader.  Senga (0-3, 8.83 ERA) and fellow right-hander Nolan McLean (1-1, 2.67) are expected to start for the Mets. The Rockies will counter with left-hander Jose Quintana (0-2, 6.23) in Game 1 and an opener ahead of right-hander Chase Dollander (2-2, 2.88).  The doubleheader was necessitated by a rainout Saturday, when Senga was slated to oppose Quintana.  The Rockies need only a split to win the series. That’s because they claimed Friday’s opener, 4-3, when Michael Lorenzen tossed seven strong innings and Troy Johnston delivered what proved to be the decisive two-run single in the seventh inning.  The loss halted a two-game winning streak for the Mets, who snapped a 12-game losing streak with Wednesday’s 3-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins. At 9-17, New York entered Saturday’s play tied with the Kansas City Royals for the second-worst record in the majors. Only the National League East-rival Philadelphia Phillies (8-18) are worse.  The Mets’ season-opening slide could be considered a continuation of the struggles they endured over the final three-plus months of last season. New York had the best record in the bigs at 45-24 through June 12, but they missed the playoffs after stumbling to a 38-55 mark — the fifth-worst in the game — the rest of the way.  The Mets’ skid began the day after Senga suffered a right hamstring injury covering first base on June 12, 2025. Senga, who was 7-3 with a 1.47 ERA in 13 starts when he got hurt, only missed a month. But that was enough to ruin his rhythm as he went 0-3 with a 5.90 ERA in his final nine starts before ending the season with Triple-A Syracuse.  Senga opened this year allowing four runs over 11 2/3 innings in his first two starts, but he has surrendered 14 runs (13 earned) over 5 2/3 innings in his last two starts. That includes seven runs (six earned) in 3 1/3 innings in his most recent appearance on April 17, when he took the defeat in the Mets’ 12-4 road loss to the Chicago Cubs.  Senga’s start was pushed back from Thursday so he could throw two side sessions.  “This is a guy that’s very meticulous about his work and his mechanics and things like that,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Friday afternoon. “Just got to go out there and do it.”   Lorenzen’s longest outing of the season helped the Rockies improve to 11-16 and move into position to earn their third series win of the season.  When the Rockies finished 43-119 last season, they didn’t win their first series until a three-game sweep of the Miami Marlins on June 1-3 — a trio of wins that improved their record to 12-50. Colorado didn’t post its third series win until winning two of three against the Minnesota Twins on July 18-20.  The win Friday — secured when converted starter Antonio Senzatela got the final five outs while facing just four batters thanks to getting Mark Vientos to line into an inning-ending double play in the eighth — also improved the Rockies to 4-6 in one-run games this season. Colorado was 3-7 in its first 10 one-run games last season — a stretch that spanned the first 46 games.  “Any time you are winning more games than last year, there is going to be better energy,” said Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer, who replaced Bud Black as skipper last year following Colorado’s 7-33 start. “They are playing well right now.”  McLean didn’t factor into the decision in his most recent start last Tuesday, when he gave up three runs over 6 2/3 innings as the Mets fell to the visiting Minnesota Twins, 5-3. He did fan 10 hitters without a walk.  Quintana took the loss in his most recent start last Monday night, when he allowed six runs (four earned) over five innings as the Rockies fell to the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers, 12-3.  Dollander, who has served as a reliever in all six of his appearances this year, took the defeat last Tuesday after giving up one run over a season-high six innings in the Rockies’ 1-0 loss to the visiting San Diego Padres.  Senga is 2-0 with a 1.47 ERA in three career starts against the Rockies. McLean has never opposed Colorado.  Quintana, who pitched for the Mets from 2023-24, is 2-3 with a 4.25 ERA in five starts against his former club. Dollander absorbed the defeat in his lone previous start against New York last June 8, when he allowed five runs over three innings in the Rockies’ home 13-5 loss.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Struggling #Kodai #Senga #seeks #form #MetsRockies #doubleheader

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