Astros Aim to Bounce Back Against Struggling Rockies

Houston looks to end skid as Colorado's Lorenzen faces tough test

Apr. 14, 2026 at 6:26am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball game between the Houston Astros and Colorado Rockies, with sharp planes of vibrant orange and purple colors representing the teams' uniforms.A cubist interpretation of the high-stakes matchup between the struggling Astros and Rockies, as both teams fight to turn their seasons around.Houston Today

The Houston Astros and Colorado Rockies meet in a Tuesday night matchup at Daikin Park. The Astros, currently 6-11 on the season, will send Colton Gordon to the mound, while the Rockies counter with Michael Lorenzen, who has struggled to a 1-1 record and 8.36 ERA so far this year. Both teams are looking to get back on track after recent slumps.

Why it matters

This game features two teams that have underperformed to start the season and are looking to gain some momentum. The Astros, who won the World Series in 2025, have lost 8 straight games and need a win to avoid falling further behind in the AL West. The Rockies, meanwhile, have lost 11 straight road games against teams with losing records and are desperate for a victory to turn their season around.

The details

The Astros will turn to Colton Gordon, who was 6-4 with a 5.34 ERA last season, for his second career start against the Rockies. Houston's offense has been led by Jose Altuve, Cam Smith, and Yordan Alvarez, who have combined for 54 hits and 28 RBIs. On the other side, the Rockies will give the ball to Michael Lorenzen, who has struggled mightily with an 8.36 ERA and 1.36 WHIP through his first three starts. Colorado's lineup has been paced by TJ Rumfield, Ezequiel Tovar, and Hunter Goodman.

  • The Astros and Rockies meet on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 8:10 pm EDT.
  • The Astros have lost 8 straight games heading into this matchup.
  • The Rockies have lost 11 straight road games against teams with losing records.

The players

Colton Gordon

The Houston Astros starting pitcher, who was 6-4 with a 5.34 ERA last season.

Michael Lorenzen

The Colorado Rockies starting pitcher, who is 1-1 with an 8.36 ERA and 1.36 WHIP so far this season.

Jose Altuve

The Astros' leading hitter with 19 hits and 6 RBIs on the season.

TJ Rumfield

The Rockies' leading hitter with 16 hits and 8 RBIs.

Yordan Alvarez

The Astros' slugger who has combined with Cam Smith for 35 hits and 22 RBIs.

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What they’re saying

“We need to find a way to get back on track and start winning some games. This is a big series for us against a division opponent.”

— Colton Gordon, Houston Astros Pitcher

“It's been a tough start, but we're not going to give up. We have to find a way to get some wins, starting with this series against the Astros.”

— Michael Lorenzen, Colorado Rockies Pitcher

What’s next

The Astros and Rockies will play the second game of their three-game series on Wednesday, April 15th at Daikin Park.

The takeaway

This matchup features two teams desperate for a win to turn their seasons around. The Astros have the offensive firepower to break out of their slump, but their pitching staff will need to step up against a Rockies lineup that has shown signs of life. Whichever team can get the upper hand early could gain the momentum to secure the victory.