DENVER, Colorado - The San Diego Padres are hitting the road as they kick off a three-game series against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on Friday, May 9, 2025. The Padres come into this matchup with a solid record of 4 wins and 2 losses on their current road trip, positioning them in second place in the National League West Division, just one game behind the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Rockies, on the other hand, are struggling this season, currently sitting at the bottom of the division with a dismal record of 6 wins and 31 losses. This matchup is crucial for the Padres as they aim to maintain their momentum and capitalize on the Rockies' misfortunes.
Tonight’s game is set to start at 5:40 PM PST, with Randy Vásquez taking the mound for the Padres, facing off against the Rockies’ Antonio Senzatela. This matchup is particularly interesting given the Padres’ historical challenges at Coors Field, where they have won only 39 percent of their games since 2020. Despite a successful run last season, which saw them clinch 93 wins overall, the Padres lost four times in Colorado, highlighting the altitude's impact on gameplay.
Adding to the Padres’ optimism is the return of second baseman Jake Cronenworth from the injured list. His presence is expected to bolster the team’s offensive capabilities as they look to build on their recent success. Cronenworth's return comes at a critical time, as the Padres aim to continue their dominance over the Rockies, having previously shut them out in a three-game series at Petco Park last month.
In addition to Cronenworth’s return, Padres CEO Erik Greupner shared some encouraging news regarding pitcher Yu Darvish. Greupner noted that Darvish looked impressive while facing live pitching in Arizona, and the team is contemplating accelerating his return to the starting rotation. This potential addition could significantly enhance the Padres’ pitching depth as they move forward in the season.
As the Padres prepare to face the Rockies, they are keen to exploit their opponents' weaknesses. The Rockies have been unable to find their footing this season, managing to lose 31 of their first 37 games. With the Padres looking to capitalize on this, the matchup could prove pivotal in shaping the remainder of their road trip.
Tomorrow, Saturday, May 10, the Padres will continue their series against the Rockies at 5:10 PM PST. Stephan Kolek will make his second start of the season for San Diego, while Colorado will counter with Bradley Blalock. The final game of the series will take place on Sunday, May 11, at 12:10 PM PST, featuring Nick Pivetta for the Padres against Germán Márquez of the Rockies.
The Padres are eager to return home on Monday, May 12, to host the Los Angeles Angels. With the current road trip being a critical juncture in their season, every game counts as they aim to close the gap on the Dodgers and solidify their playoff aspirations.
Fans eagerly await these matchups, especially given the historical rivalry between the Padres and Rockies. The Padres have shown they can dominate when playing at home, but the thin air of Denver poses unique challenges that they must navigate. Will they be able to overcome the odds and secure a series win against a struggling Rockies team? The excitement is palpable as the game day approaches.
As the Padres take the field tonight, all eyes will be on Vásquez as he attempts to set the tone for the series. With key players returning and a strong desire to capitalize on their opponents' struggles, the Padres are poised to make a statement in this crucial series.