DENVER — The Colorado Rockies suffered a historic defeat on Saturday night, falling 21-0 to the San Diego Padres at Coors Field, marking one of the most lopsided losses in Major League Baseball history. This crushing defeat not only extended the Rockies’ losing streak to eight games but also tied their record at 6-33 with the infamous 1988 Baltimore Orioles for the worst start to a season in the modern era (since 1900).
The Padres, who displayed an offensive onslaught throughout the game, amassed a staggering 24 hits, including five home runs. The Rockies, in stark contrast, managed only five hits, further emphasizing their struggles at the plate. Padres manager Mike Shildt praised his team’s relentless approach, highlighting their commitment to maintaining high standards regardless of the scoreboard. “It’s just the standard and the expectation of how we play,” said Jake Cronenworth. “We’re gonna play hard.”
The game began with a bang for the Padres, who scored five runs in the first inning, setting the tone for the rest of the night. Gavin Sheets kicked off the scoring with a two-run homer off Rockies starter Bradley Blaylock, who struggled significantly, allowing 12 runs on 13 hits over just 3 2/3 innings. This performance raised Blaylock’s ERA to a staggering 12.94, as he failed to find his rhythm against a potent Padres lineup.
San Diego didn’t stop there. Jake Cronenworth added a solo shot in the third, while Jason Heyward crushed a three-run homer in the fourth, pushing the lead to 12-0. The fifth inning saw Xander Bogaerts and Fernando Tatis Jr. both leave their mark, with Bogaerts hitting a homer and Tatis Jr. following suit with a three-run blast that brought the score to an eye-watering 19-0.
As the game progressed, Padres pitcher Stephen Kolek was in control, tossing a complete-game shutout in just his second major league start. This remarkable feat made him the first pitcher since 1889 to throw a shutout in a game where his team scored 20 or more runs. “Hats off to him. He threw the ball exceptionally well,” Shildt remarked, acknowledging Kolek’s impressive performance amid the offensive explosion.
The Rockies’ woes continued as they set a franchise record by allowing at least 10 runs in four consecutive games. This streak of defensive struggles has not been seen since the 2021 Orioles, who also faced similar challenges. Colorado’s general manager Bill Schmidt expressed his frustrations before the game, acknowledging the fans’ disappointment and the team’s current state. “I know we are better than we have played, but we are not good right now,” Schmidt stated. “We have to battle through it and get to the other side.”
Despite the dismal performance, there were some moments of levity for the Rockies. Veteran catcher Jacob Stallings was called upon to pitch two emergency innings, a rare sight in a game of this magnitude. Stallings managed to strike out former Rockies catcher Elias Diaz in the ninth inning, providing a brief highlight in an otherwise forgettable night. “You never want to be in that position as a team, unless you’re winning,” Stallings said, reflecting on the unusual circumstances of the game.
The attendance at Coors Field was a lively 38,423, many of whom were Padres fans who took the opportunity to cheer on their team as they executed a near-perfect game. The crowd even engaged in The Wave during the sixth inning, showcasing their enthusiasm despite the outcome of the game.
As for the Padres, this victory marked the largest shutout win in their franchise history and tied for the third-largest shutout win in MLB history since 1901. The Padres’ five home runs were the most they have hit in a game since hitting five at Coors Field on August 2, 2023. With this win, the Padres improved their record to 25-13, the best start for any Padres team through 38 games.
The Rockies now face a daunting challenge as they look to regroup before their next game. With their eighth consecutive loss, the team is on pace for yet another dismal season, potentially heading towards a third straight 100-loss season under manager Bud Black. The pressure is mounting, and the organization is in desperate need of a turnaround.
Looking ahead, the Padres have the opportunity to complete a sweep of the Rockies on Sunday, May 11, 2025, which would add to Colorado’s misery. The Rockies must find a way to rally and avoid further embarrassment as they continue to search for answers amid a tumultuous season.
As the dust settles from this historic defeat, the Rockies will need to dig deep and find a way to bounce back. The road ahead is steep, and the team’s resilience will be tested as they strive to turn their season around.
