Colorado Rockies game no. 42 thread: Michael Lorenzen vs Paul Skenes

After spending the weekend and going 1-2 against the Philadelphia Phillies, the Colorado Rockies (16-25) will look to reset as they begin a three-game set against the Pittsburgh Pirates (22-19).

They will, however, have their work cut out for them with a much-improved Pirates squad. Moreover, Colorado has lost five-straight in Pittsburgh dating back to their last win at PNC Park on May 3, 2024.

The Rockies have gone 8-14 on the road overall but are 6-4 over their last 10 road games dating back to April 16 at Houston. The are averaging 4.4 runs per game of that span while batting .256 (90-for-351) with nine home runs. Worth noting, Rockies pitchers have posted a 4.30 ERA (88.0 IP, 42 ER) over their last 10 road games, including a 4.38 ERA (51.1 IP, 25 ER) by the starting pitchers.

Starting for the Rockies is Michael Lorenzen. This will be his tenth start for the Rockies in 2026.

The righty has a 6.92 ERA in 39.0 IP. He’s struck out 26, walked 12, and given up seven home runs. Lorenzen has a 1.90 WHIP.

He suﬀered his fourth loss of the season May 6 against the Mets at Coors Field, a 10-5 Rockies loss. During that outing, Lorenzen allowed seven runs on 11 hits with three walks and two strikeouts across five innings.

Taking the mound for the Pirates will be RHP and Cy Young winner Paul Skenes.

Currently, he has an ERA of 2.35 in 40.2 IP. He’s struck out 47 while giving up seven walks and allowing four home runs with a 0.71 WHIP.

He won a 1-0 decision after allowing just two hits (back-to-back singles from Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Nolan Arenado in the fourth inning) and striking out seven batters over 8.0 scoreless innings in his last start on May 6 at Arizona. Skenes became only the sixth Pirate (seventh instance) to pitch at least 8.0 scoreless innings with seven strikeouts, two or fewer hits allowed and zero walks issued in a game during the Modern Era.

He has a 1.83 career ERA (73.2ip/15er) vs. the National League West.

And now to the details.

First Pitch: 4:40 pm MDT

TV: Rockies TV

Radio: KOA 850 AM/94.1 FM; KNRV 1150 (Spanish)

SB Nation site: Bucs Dugout

Lineups:

For the visiting Rockies:

Colorado Rockies Lineup @ Pittsburgh Pirates (5.12.26) — Julien, Moniak, Goodman, Rumfield, Freeman, Johnston, Castro, Tovar, McCarthy with Lorenzen pitching

And the home Pirates: