Rockies Turn to Michael Lorenzen in Bid for Series Win vs. Reds

CINCINNATI — The Colorado Rockies are rolling, and they are handing the ball to a familiar face in the Queen City to close out a critical series. Right-hander Michael Lorenzen will take the mound Thursday afternoon at Great American Ball Park as the Rockies aim to secure a series victory over the Cincinnati Reds in the rubber match of a three-game set.

After a lopsided 13-2 win on Wednesday, Colorado has won four of its last five games and is showing signs of life against a Reds squad that had been one of the hottest teams in the National League. For Lorenzen, this start is more than just another outing—it is a homecoming. The 32-year-old spent the first seven seasons of his career (2015-2021) in a Reds uniform, and he knows the hitter-friendly dimensions of this ballpark as well as anyone.

“He’s been around the block, and he’s not afraid of the moment,” Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer said of Lorenzen. “We need him to give us length and keep us in the game. He’s capable of that.”

Lorenzen’s Reunion: Familiarity Meets a New Challenge

Lorenzen enters Thursday with a record of 2-2 and a 5.97 ERA in 2025, numbers that do not exactly inspire confidence. However, his recent outings have shown flashes of the two-way versatility that made him a fan favorite in Cincinnati. In his last start against the San Diego Padres, Lorenzen struck out six over 5.1 innings, allowing three earned runs. The key, he says, is command of his fastball and his sweeping slider.

“I know these guys,” Lorenzen said Wednesday. “I’ve faced a lot of them in spring training or in previous years. But they know me, too. It’s a chess match. I have to execute my pitches and trust my stuff.”

The Reds lineup is dangerous, led by Elly De La Cruz and Spencer Steer, but they have been inconsistent. Cincinnati had won eight of ten games before Wednesday’s blowout loss. Lorenzen’s ability to neutralize left-handed bats will be pivotal, as the Reds boast a deep bench of lefty hitters who can punish mistakes.

• Key matchup: Lorenzen’s changeup vs. Reds’ fastball hitters
• Warning: Great American Ball Park is the most homer-friendly park in baseball
• History: Lorenzen owns a 4.32 ERA in 12 career appearances against Cincinnati (since leaving)

Rockies Offense Explodes: Goodman, Sullivan, and Moniak Lead the Charge

Wednesday’s 13-2 victory was a statement. The Rockies pounded out 15 hits, with Hunter Goodman leading the way. The young slugger launched two home runs and drove in three runs, showcasing the raw power that has made him a fixture in the middle of the order. Goodman now has six homers on the season and is hitting .271 with a .910 OPS against right-handed pitching.

“He’s got a special gift,” Schaeffer said. “When he’s locked in, he can change a game with one swing.”

But the story of the season so far for Colorado has been Mickey Moniak. The outfielder is riding a 13-game hitting streak, the longest active streak in the National League. Moniak went 2-for-5 on Wednesday with a double and an RBI, raising his average to .312. His ability to hit both lefties and righties has made him an invaluable piece of the lineup.

• Moniak’s streak: 13 games, 21 hits, 7 extra-base hits
• Goodman’s power: 2 HR, 3 RBI on Wednesday
• Sullivan’s patience: 3 hits, 2 doubles, 3 RBI

Brett Sullivan also contributed with three hits, including two doubles, and three RBIs. The catcher’s emergence has given the Rockies depth behind the plate, and his ability to handle a veteran staff like Lorenzen’s is a plus.

Expert Analysis: What to Watch in the Rubber Match

From a strategic standpoint, this game will be decided in the first four innings. Lorenzen has a tendency to start slow—his first-inning ERA is 7.20 this season—while the Reds’ starter, Nick Lodolo, has been dominant at home. Lodolo (3-1, 2.88 ERA) is a lefty who thrives on weak contact. He struck out nine in his last outing against the Milwaukee Brewers.

The Rockies have struggled against left-handed pitching this season, hitting just .222 as a team. However, they have Brendan Rodgers and Ryan McMahon who can turn on a fastball. If Colorado can get to Lodolo early, it will force the Reds’ bullpen into action—a unit that has a 4.45 ERA in the last seven days.

Prediction: This is a classic “good pitching vs. good hitting” matchup. The Rockies have the momentum, but the Reds have the better pitcher on paper. Look for a low-scoring affair where one swing decides the game. I expect Lorenzen to give Colorado 5-6 solid innings, but the bullpen will be the decisive factor. Final score: Rockies 5, Reds 4.

Strong Conclusion: A Statement Win for Colorado?

If the Rockies can pull off a series win in Cincinnati, it would be a major confidence boost for a team that has struggled to find consistency. They have now won four of five and are showing signs of a cohesive offensive attack. Lorenzen’s reunion start adds an emotional layer to the game, but the bottom line is clear: Colorado needs to win this game to keep pace in the NL West.

“We’re not satisfied with just one win,” Schaeffer said. “We came here to take the series. That’s the mindset.”

Moniak’s hitting streak, Goodman’s power, and Lorenzen’s familiarity with the Reds’ hitters create a perfect storm for an upset. The Rockies have been a surprise team in early 2025, and a win on Thursday would send a message that they are not just a rebuilding project—they are a legitimate threat.

First pitch is at 12:35 PM ET. All eyes will be on the mound, where a former Red aims to spoil his old team’s party. For Colorado, it’s about seizing the moment. For Lorenzen, it’s about proving he still belongs.

Source: Based on news from Deadspin.

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