Colorado Rockies Suffer Bullpen Implosion on Saturday, Tie Horrendous Baseball History

The Colorado Rockies just can't stop blowing late leads, and it's contributed to them joining a terrible list in baseball history.

May 23, 2024; Oakland, California, USA; Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Justin Lawrence (61) returns to the dugout after the ninth inning against the Oakland Athletics at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports / Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

The Colorado Rockies lost to the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday by a score of 8-4. With the loss, the Rockies are now 17-34 on the season, which is the fewest wins in the National League.

Furthermore, with the loss, the Rockies tied a very unfortunate record in baseball history.

Per @OptaSTATS on social media:

There have been 4 instances in MLB this season where a team was leading in the 9th inning or later only to give up 5+ runs that inning and surrender the lead.

All 4 were by the Rockies (April 5, April 30, May 23 & tonight).

The 4 such instances is already tied for the most by any MLB team in a single season in the modern era (with the 1939 Browns and 1952 White Sox).

The 4 such instances is already tied for the most by any MLB team in a single season in the modern era (with the 1939 Browns and 1952 White Sox).

— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) May 26, 2024

Justin Lawrence allowed three earned runs on three hits in the top of the ninth inning to suffer the loss while John Curtiss allowed tow more in relief of him. The Rockies had been leading 4-3 heading into the ninth.

The Rockies will look to get back into the win column on Sunday afternoon when they take on the Phillies again at Coors Field. First pitch is set for 3:10 p.m. ET as presumptive National League Cy Young favorite Ranger Suarez pitches for the Phillies against Cal Quantrill.

Suarez is 9-0 with a 1.36 ERA on the year while the veteran Quantrill is 3-3 with a 3.59 for Colorado.

After this game, the Phillies will head to San Francisco for a series with the Giants. The Rockies will be off on Memorial Day Monday before playing the Guardians on Tuesday.

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