Rox wear down Mets, evade jams to snag close Game 1 of twin bill

NEW YORK – It was a pitchers' day during the first game of a doubleheader for the Rockies, who beat the Mets, 3-1, at Citi Field on Sunday afternoon.

Colorado was able to win the game by getting to right-hander Nolan McLean in the sixth inning. Entering Sunday’s action, opponents were slashing .348/.375/.609 against him the third time through. It was the third time through in the sixth inning when the Rockies broke the 1-1 tie.

McLean was unable to retire a batter in the frame. Edouard Julien led off with a double, while Mickey Moniak followed with a walk. New York had a chance to turn a double play against TJ Rumfield, but first baseman Mark Vientos made a throwing error that loaded the bases.

McLean was taken out of the game in favor of reliever Huascar Brazobán, who induced Troy Johnston to hit into a double play, but Julien scored the go-ahead run.

The Rockies added to the lead against Brazobán an inning later when Jake McCarthy’s single to right field sent Brett Sullivan home.

Rockies starter Jose Quintana is familiar with the Mets, having pitched for them from 2023-24. The way the game played out, he had a good scouting report against them. He ended up having his best game as a member of the Rockies, allowing one run in 5 1/3 innings. His only blemish was allowing a solo homer to Tyrone Taylor in the fifth to tie the score at 1. It helped that his changeup, his best pitch, kept the Mets off-balance.

“I felt way better, even in the first inning,” Quintana said. “Even if I gave up two runs, I know my stuff was way better today. I made really good adjustments compared to the last start. My mechanics were more consistent. I’m glad to get the outing and I really needed it.”

The Mets had a chance to take Quintana out of the game early. In the first inning, New York had the bases loaded with one out, but the left-hander struck out Marcus Semien and Brett Baty to end the threat. Quintana ended up throwing 31 pitches that inning.

New York had another opportunity to at least tie the game at 3. The team had the bases loaded with one out against right-hander Jaden Hill, who managed to get out of the inning by inducing Luis Robert Jr. to pop up to Johnston at first base and strike out Vientos to end the threat.

Victor Vodnik picked up his fourth save by retiring the Mets in order. Quintana enjoyed the fact that the bullpen shut out the Mets for 3 2/3 innings.

“These guys throw gas," he said. “These guys have really good stuff, a really good job from Hill with the bases loaded. The same for [Juan] Mejia who came in after me. Victor was insane today. That was good for us to take the first game. Let’s get ready for the second game.”

By winning the first game of the doubleheader, the Rockies won the series, their first series win against the Mets since May 2023.