The Colorado Rockies currently hold the worst record in the National League, though it represents a significant improvement over their previous campaign.
Colorado waited until September 21 to secure its 43rd victory, ultimately completing the season with 119 losses.
On Sunday afternoon, the Rockies will look to record their 43rd win of the 2026 season as they close out a three-game series against the host Milwaukee Brewers.
Colorado left-hander Kyle Freeland (2-9, 7.28 ERA) will take on right-hander Jacob Misiorowski (10-4, 1.57 ERA) in the decisive matchup of the series.
Misiorowski leads the majors with 173 strikeouts and the lowest ERA. He consistently reaches speeds of 100 mph or higher on the radar gun, giving the Rockies a formidable challenge after holding them to one unearned run over seven innings in a 7-1 Milwaukee victory on June 6 in Denver.
That marks the first time he has faced Colorado in his career.
Meanwhile, Freeland has lost his last two decisions, allowing four runs over six innings in both outings. He also added a spark of drama when he faced Washington on Monday.
Freeland took exception to Andres Chaparro running over the mound following a flyout, leading to the pitcher having words with Chaparro and the benches clearing. Despite his record and ERA, Freeland has maintained his intensity and will carry that into his 12th career start against the Brewers.
Over his previous 11 outings, he holds a 5-4 record with a 3.55 ERA.
Freeland credits the offense for the team’s improvement from last year and acknowledged that the pitching staff has been a weak point.
“They’re doing a good job of putting runs on the board, but the big thing is pitching,” Freeland said. “It’s been the trend the whole season. We’re not throwing the ball especially well. We’re making our offense fight and claw at the end of games to come back.”
Milwaukee, conversely, has been one of the more well-rounded teams, excelling both offensively and on the mound. The Brewers currently lead the National League in ERA (3.44) and saves (33) while ranking fifth in the majors in runs (524) and tied for fourth in stolen bases (103).
The offense has received a significant boost from a pair of rookies who were instrumental in Saturday night’s 8-5 Milwaukee victory. Cooper Pratt hit his second career home run and drove in three runs, while Luis Lara reached base four times and recorded three RBIs.
Lara’s sacrifice fly and Pratt’s home run in the second inning provided the Brewers with an early advantage.
“I knew that one was gone, not like the first one,” Pratt said of his homer after the game. “It felt good, and we won, too. Definitely starting to slow down, starting to breathe, starting to relax and just play baseball.”
Pratt stated he was not surprised by Lara’s early success.
“He’s a dog. I was with him in Triple-A, and he was doing the same thing,” Pratt said. “He’s starting to heat up and he’s a dude, for sure. That’s every day for him.”
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