It was the same old story for the Colorado Rockies on Thursday as they concluded their series against the Philadelphia Phillies with a 3-1 defeat at Citizens Bank Park, resulting in a three-game sweep by the Phillies.

Phillies’ right-hander Taijuan Walker delivered an impressive performance in his season debut, pitching six scoreless innings. Walker allowed only three hits and one walk while striking out four batters. This outing marked a significant turnaround for Walker, who faced challenges in the previous season. His effective use of pitches kept the Rockies’ offense at bay, earning him a standing ovation from the Philadelphia crowd as he exited the mound. ​

On the opposing side, Rockies’ starter Antonio Senzatela managed to limit the damage despite allowing 10 hits over 5 1/3 innings. Remarkably, he conceded only one unearned run during his tenure on the mound. Senzatela’s ability to navigate through multiple scoring threats was highlighted by a critical defensive play in the second inning, where he fielded a chopper and threw out a runner at home plate, preventing an early Phillies lead. ​

The Phillies scored in the fifth inning when Bryce Harper doubled to right field, bringing in Kyle Schwarber, who had reached base on an error by left fielder Mickey Moniak. Schwarber extended the lead in the seventh inning with a towering 444-foot solo home run to right-center field off left-handed reliever Luis Peralta. An additional run was added in the eighth inning when J.T. Realmuto scored on a wild pitch by Rockies’ reliever Tyler Kinley. ​

The Rockies’ offense struggled throughout the game, managing to score their sole run in the ninth inning. Hunter Goodman led off with a single, advanced on a walk, and was driven in by a pinch-hit single from Sean Bouchard. Despite loading the bases later in the inning, Phillies’ closer José Alvarado secured the final outs by ultimately striking out the side, sealing the victory for Philadelphia. They struck out 10 times, the fifth time they have had double-digit strikeouts this season.

The absence of offense has been an issue for the Rockies out of the gate and continues a troubling trend dating back several seasons now. Home runs are nearly non-existent, as are extra-base hits in general. When the Rockies do get a hit, like Moniak’s towering triple, the Rockies have been unable to capitalize and come up big with two outs, as evidenced by the anti-climatic ninth inning.

This loss marked the Rockies’ fourth consecutive defeat, dropping their season record to 1-5. Offensive production has been a significant concern, with the team scoring only 11 runs over their first six games. They now have more losses than the rest of the National League West combined and sit six games back in the division.

The Rockies will aim to rebound as they return to Denver for their home opener against the Athletics. The weather forecast predicts a cold afternoon for the Rockies but hopefully, the transition back to the confines of Coors Field will jump-start the offense and start reversing their fortunes. Ryan Feltner will take the ball on the mound for Colorado.