Rockies Aim to Build on Bullpen Success in Matchup Against Marlins

Colorado's relievers shine in season opener, providing optimism for improved 2026 campaign

Mar. 28, 2026 at 12:22pm

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The Colorado Rockies and Miami Marlins are both feeling optimistic ahead of their matchup on Saturday afternoon in Miami. The Rockies, who had the worst record in baseball last season, are encouraged by the strong performance of their bullpen in the season opener, with three relievers combining for 3 2/3 scoreless innings. Meanwhile, the Marlins are looking to build on their 2-1 victory in the season opener, with several role players stepping up to contribute.

Why it matters

The Rockies' bullpen struggles were a major factor in their dismal 2025 season, so their strong relief outing in the opener provides hope that they can improve this year. The Marlins, on the other hand, are looking to build on their opening day success and continue to get production from their depth players as they aim to compete in the NL East.

The details

In the season opener, three Rockies relievers - Jimmy Herget, Brennan Bernardino and Juan Mejia - combined to pitch 3 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing just three hits and no walks. Last year, Colorado's bullpen ERA of 5.18 was the second-worst in baseball history. The Rockies will start right-hander Michael Lorenzen on Saturday, who is 4-2 with a 2.33 ERA in 17 career appearances against the Marlins. The Marlins will counter with right-hander Eury Perez, who went 5 scoreless innings against the Rockies last year. The Marlins also got strong contributions from role players like Connor Norby, Owen Caissie, and Javier Sanoja in the opener.

  • The Rockies and Marlins will face off on Saturday afternoon in Miami.
  • In the season opener on Friday, the Marlins posted a 2-1 victory over the Rockies.

The players

Michael Lorenzen

The Rockies' starting pitcher on Saturday, who has a 4-2 record and 2.33 ERA in 17 career appearances against the Marlins.

Eury Perez

The Marlins' starting pitcher on Saturday, who went 5 scoreless innings against the Rockies last year.

Jimmy Herget

One of three Rockies relievers who combined for 3 2/3 scoreless innings in the season opener.

Brennan Bernardino

One of three Rockies relievers who combined for 3 2/3 scoreless innings in the season opener.

Juan Mejia

One of three Rockies relievers who combined for 3 2/3 scoreless innings in the season opener.

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What they’re saying

“'There's a new feeling around here. I'm excited for the team we've got, the moves we've made and the culture we built in spring training.'”

— Mickey Moniak, Rockies Outfielder

“'Things happen like that sometimes. Owen stepped up with a big knock early in the game.'”

— Clayton McCullough, Marlins Manager

“'It takes a lot to win a major-league game. Every night, we will look for the best way to maximize our roster.'”

— Clayton McCullough, Marlins Manager

What’s next

The Rockies and Marlins will face off again on Saturday afternoon in Miami, with Michael Lorenzen taking the mound for Colorado and Eury Perez starting for Miami.

The takeaway

The Rockies' strong bullpen performance in the season opener provides hope that they can improve on their dismal 2025 campaign, while the Marlins' ability to get contributions from role players in their opening day win suggests they have the depth to compete in the NL East.