For much of the night, it looked like a step forward. And this time, they got it done.
The Colorado Rockies (11-16) beat the New York Mets (9-17) 4-3 at Citi Field on Friday night behind a stellar performance from Michael Lorenzen and a lineup that made adjustments as the game progressed.
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Lorenzen set the tone early and never really let up.
He wasn’t overwhelming. He didn’t get a strikeout.
But he got it under control.
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Lorenzen worked efficiently and generated consistent contact, relying on his defense to prevent the Mets from establishing any sustained offense. Aside from a few isolated moments (including Juan Soto’s 114-mph solo shot), he managed traffic, avoided big plays, and got deep into the game.
His last words tell the story: 7 innings, 7 hits, 1 earned run, no walks, 3 strikeouts, 90 pitches (55 strikeouts). Lorenzen improved to 2-2 on the season while dropping his ERA to 5.97.
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It’s not flashy.
But that’s exactly what Colorado needs.
The defense had his back throughout. Ezequiel Tovar was outstanding up the middle, and the Rockies turned in multiple double plays — including a clutch double after Soto’s arrival — to eliminate potential threats before they could grow.
Speaking of defense, check out this incredible catch from Carson Benge:
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Freddie Peralta was also sharp on the other side.
Right-hander worked. 5.2 innings, allowed 7 hits and 2 earned runs, while striking out 8relied heavily on devastating change-ups, producing plenty of swings and turnovers. He threw 95 pitches (67 at-bats) and looked in control for long periods of time. Peralta’s changeup is absolutely nasty and works really well against the fastball.
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Strikeouts never really go away.
Colorado scored 15 runs on the night, eight against Peralta and seven against Sean Manaea, who struck out seven in 3.1 innings.
But they didn’t let it define the game.
Instead, the Rockies gradually dwindled.
They were patient at bat, forcing Peralta into uncomfortable situations and profiting in small ways. TJ Rumfield had one of those moments, hitting a slow grounder with the bases loaded to score the tying run. TJ made the decision to single, stopping the run down the line, forcing Peralta to throw the ball to first out. Smart Baseball.
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It’s not a big swing. This is enough.
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The Rockies hung in there, continuing to put the ball in play and apply pressure. They broke again — Peralta allowed a runner in scoring position to hit for the first time all season — and eventually removed him from the game.
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Once in the bullpen, they found their opportunity.
In the seventh inning, Colorado finally created separation. After putting runners in scoring position, Troy Johnston added a key two-run single off Manaea to extend the lead.
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They didn’t turn the game on. They don’t need to.
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The Mets’ late run kept things interesting, but the Rockies didn’t lose control.
Jaden Hill ran into trouble in the eighth inning, allowing four hits and two earned runs as New York took the lead and put the game back within reach.
Suddenly, the pressure came back.
But Antonio Senzatra stepped in and restored order.
Senzatela went 1.2 innings out of the bullpen and stabilized the situation without letting the game deteriorate further. He moved quickly, got out, and ended the game in authoritative fashion — blasting a 98 mph fastball off MJ Melendez to seal the win.
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Lorenzen gave them the game. Senzatra ensured that they would not return it.
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Functional
This was more than just a win for a team that entered the night at 3-10 on the road.
It’s not perfect. It’s not dominant.
But it’s controlled, complete, and most importantly, communicable.
At least this night, the Rockies weren’t just playing away from Coors. They’re done.
Next
The Rockies will keep the series going on Saturday afternoon at Citi Field.
The first pitch is set to 2:10 PM (US Daylight Time)and Jose Quintana (0–2, 6.23 ERA) Colorado vs. Kodai Senga (0–3, 8.83 ERA) For New York.
On paper, this is another game where both teams are looking for stability on the mound.
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It’s a chance for the Rockies to build on a complete performance and bring some momentum to the rest of the series.
Let’s keep the good vibes going.
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